User friendly
Right from the word go, Hal will talk you through its automatic and user friendly installation. Hal's sophisticated technology makes all kinds of Windows applications, the Internet and email, easy to use. Hal works by recognising and reading information from the computer screen aloud through your computer's soundcard. Screen information is also displayed in Braille for users of the many supported Braille devices. The information provided is comprehensive: Hal not only reads text but also recognises Windows dialogs, icons, buttons, menus and controls. Hal comes complete with online and context sensitive help and full manual both in print and on audio CD. Interactive tutorials are also included to make getting started with Windows easy.

Browse the Internet
With Hal, reading a web page can be as simple as reading a word processor document. Dolphin's Virtual Cursor allows you to browse the Internet without a mouse. Hal announces graphics labels automatically and reads through frames and tables quickly and accurately. The Dolphin Links Navigator makes sorting through links on a complex web page quick and easy.

System compatibility
Hal is designed to meet the ever changing needs of today's IT environment. Accordingly, Hal does not alter either the operating system or application software in any way. This means that Hal is stable and reliable, whether installed on a home PC or business network server. It also ensures that your computer and software will remain compatible with that of friends and colleagues, thus keeping your lines of communication wide open.

Network independence
Hal Screen Reader is designed with independent operation in mind. Installed on a network or a server, Hal can be used from any terminal and can be switched on or off as required, giving the user the freedom to move around a building or campus. With many features to choose from, users can save their preferred settings and retrieve them from wherever they choose to log on. Flexible licensing options at a discounted rate is offered for organisations with more than one Hal user.

Features
Hal works on all of the supported Windows platforms: Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT v4.0 (SP 6), Windows 2000, Windows XP.

Speech:

• Easy browsing of Internet web pages and other applications with the Dolphin Virtual Focus even where there is little or no keyboard access.
  
• Internet Updater for fast, automatic updates.
  
• Comprehensive online and context sensitive help.
  
• Intuitive hotkeys for easy operation.
  
• Reads or spells out any text on screen: documents, menus, web pages, emails.
  
• Reads icons and Internet graphics labels and announces font and style information.
  
• Talks as you type, by character, by word or both.
  
• Read word, line, web page, document or entire Window at a single keypress.
  
• Spoken prompts allow easy navigation through Windows menus, dialogs, file systems and other Windows controls.
  
• Works with any font, including accented characters and symbols.
  
• Monitor markers alert you to screen changes and new information.
  
• Choice of two software speech synthesisers: Dolphin Orpheus Speech System and Microsoft's MSAPI Speech Synthesiser.
  
• Orpheus' intelligent pronunciation recognises similar words by context.
  
• Choice of nine Orpheus voices or create your own using variable speed, pitch and volume.
  
• Choice of 9 Orpheus languages including: English (UK and USA), Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish (Latin and Castilian) and Swedish . New languages are being added all the time.
  
• Automatically recognises many other hardware and software synthesisers.

Braille:

• Fast and responsive Braille output.
  
• Text and graphical information at your fingertips.
  
• Choose computer or literary Braille (Grade 1 or Grade 2).
  
• Works automatically with a wide range of refreshable Braille displays and note takers.
  
• Accurate information on formatting, style and physical layout.
  
• Intelligently reads ahead so dialog information is conveyed in context.
  
• Braille hotkeys, pre-programmed and user-programmable, speed up and facilitate operation.
  
• Braille Hooks keep useful information at your fingertips
  
• Braille Window helps sighted teachers and trainers monitor pupil activity.

Hal comes with a print manual, quick reference cards in print and Braille, audio manual and interactive tutorials on CD.

Your System
Hal Screen Reader works with Microsoft Windows 98, Me, NT v4.0, 2000 and XP and can be installed on wide and local area networks, laptops and home PCs. No special equipment is required.

Minimum system requirements:

• Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT v4.0 (SP 6), Windows 2000, Windows XP Home & Windows XP Professional.
  
• Microsoft Internet Explorer v5 or later
  
• Intel P2 400 Mhz equivalent or higher, 125 MB free hard disk space, 128 MB Memory or higher
  
• PCI or AGP graphics card (not "on-board" - Windows Hardware Compatibility List approved.)
  
• Sound Blaster compatible sound card (not "on-board")