The Inside Edge. Using the New Microsoft Edge with JAWS for Windows.

Introduction.

For years, many of us have been using Microsoft Internet Explorer to shop online, read the news, work with social media sites and much more besides. In terms of using access technologies, there is a view that there are some sites which are still rendered slightly better in this browser, and in some places of employment, it is still a necessity.

But we must look to the future. While there are other browsers which provide a high level of accessibility support, the fact remains that if you do not wish to install anything special, Microsoft Edge will be the way to go. It seems like the right time for us to at least begin to understand what the new release of Microsoft Edge can do or even use it as our full-time browser and there are compelling reasons as to why you may want to do the latter.

In summary, there are very distinct advantages as to why you may wish to use Microsoft Edge. Moreover, the learning curve when transitioning from Internet Explorer to Edge is less steep than trying to use other browsers. Despite what you think, Microsoft Edge is not a copy of Google Chrome and there are some improvements when using this browser.

We cover everything Edge-related in our training course: The Inside Edge!

What Will I Learn?

The course is divided into three sessions and covers many topics including:

• An introduction to the advantages of using Microsoft Edge as opposed to other browsers. In particular, how can you easily transition between Microsoft Internet Explorer and Edge.
• How to make Edge the Default browser.
• Customising Edge for ease of use with JAWS for Windows through browser Settings.
• Keyboard shortcuts for web browsing and getting to where you need to be.
• Working through relevant options in the JAWS Quick Settings.
• Working with the Edge Address Bar.
• Good web browsing and screen-reading strategies for getting the most from web pages.
• Creating and managing your Favourites in two distinctly different ways.
• Downloading files: where they go and how to control them. It's not as straightforward as you think.
• Listening to audio content.
• Tabbed Browsing: what is it and getting the most from it.
• Reading PDF files.
• Opening pages in a new window.
• Settings not related to accessibility and optimisation.
• Migrating Favourites from Internet Explorer.
• Getting Help.
• Edge and Chrome Extensions.
• The Immersive Reader.
• Working with Settings.
• Search Engines and Abbreviations.
• Internet Explorer Mode.
• Browsing History.

Please note: this training course also offers JAWS scripts to allow you to save sites you wish to revisit in your Favorites folder or any other folder of your choosing. Currently this is a function not offered in Microsoft Edge.

Who is the Course For?

This course is suited to anyone who has a basic knowledge of how to undertake working with the web with JAWS for Windows using any browser and who wishes to learn how Microsoft Edge can be used. It would also be suitable for anyone who is currently experimenting with using Microsoft Edge but who wants to learn more to get the most from it.

We highly recommend the use of JAWS version 2020, however JAWS 2019 would be acceptable.

What Will I Receive and How Much Does it Cost?

The training course is priced £40 which is approximately $52, and will give to you:

• A recording of each of the three lessons in MP3 audio format which you can download whenever you want. The links to the files will not expire. The course duration is close to four and a half hours.

Alternatively, please send an email to
brian@hartgenconsultancy.com
whereupon an invoice can be sent to you so that you can pay for the training course online.

Conclusion.

Edge into better web browsing with the new release of Microsoft's browser. With a raft of keyboard shortcuts built into the application, together with the support available within JAWS for Windows, you'll have the edge on your friends and colleagues. You are the one who will be browsing like a pro!