In this Chapter we will walk you through the process of installing Leasey. We will also describe how to activate Leasey as well as some initial configurations which are required for your computer and Leasey to work together correctly. Working through the sections of this Chapter concerning the customisation of your computer's applications will ensure that your screen-reader will perform optimally with JAWS, irrespective of whether Leasey is installed or not.
We suggest that you follow this section of the User Guide carefully and systematically. Missing a step (or not carrying it out correctly) could mean that Leasey will be unable to function.
Very careful consideration should be given to the keyboard a computer beginner will use to access Leasey and screen-reading.
After reading this User Guide, you will understand that three keys are required to operate three of Leasey's core functions. These are by default assigned to the "Print Screen", "Scroll Lock" and "Pause/Break" keys.
Ideally, the desktop keyboard to be purchased for the new user should conform to an extremely conventional basic layout. It is helpful if the user has some input into choosing the keyboard. Tactile markers may also help in terms of keyboard orientation.
In particular, it is helpful if the three above mentioned keys for operating core Leasey functions are situated to the righthand side of the top row of keys, to the right of function key F12 so that they are easy to locate.
A desktop keyboard can be connected to a laptop computer, and at least in the initial stages of learning, this is recommended.
An optional computer module, "TypeAbility", can be installed to assist with keyboard learning and practice. It is a fun way to learn how to use a computer and is highly engaging and interactive. Please contact your Leasey distributor for details of purchasing TypeAbility.
If you live in the United Kingdom, we can supply an excellent keyboard ideal for both blind and low vision users.
In order for Leasey to function, the JAWS for Windows screen-reader from Vispero should be purchased, installed and successfully activated. If you do not own a copy of JAWS, and you live in the United Kingdom, please contact us directly. If you live outside the UK, please contact the developers of JAWS, Vispero, or a JAWS distributor.
Here are some important things to think about prior to (and during) the installation of JAWS.
It is important now to discuss some of the software packages Leasey is able to function with. Many such packages are downloadable from the LeaseyCentral website and this is a good starting point for evaluating appropriate software.
We also recommend that you subscribe to the Leasey Email list (discussed elsewhere in this document), and particularly follow Hartgen Consultancy on Mastodon or Facebook. The username for Facebook is HartgenConsult. The current address for Mastodon is hartgenconsult@tweesecake.social.
In terms of access to preparing documents and Email management, Microsoft Office 2010, 2013, 2016, 365 or 2019 are highly recommended. HJPad (which is installed with the JAWS software automatically) can be used for word processing and is a good alternative. Windows Live Mail or Mozilla Thunderbird are adequate for Email management but our very strong preference is Microsoft Outlook.
For playback of audio content, we recommend either Foobar2000, VLC Media Player or Winamp.
Facebook, Twitter, Spotify and iTunes all require accounts creating for them. Where appropriate, within the relevant sections of this User Guide we will explain how to create such accounts in an accessible way. However, if you are someone who is working alongside a visually impaired person in order to set up a computer with Leasey, feel free to go ahead and create the accounts at this stage.
Leasey is compatible with iTunes version 12.7 and above and Spotify version 1.1.59.712 and above.
In respect of Skype, it is a good idea to take advice as to the most appropriate release to use. We regularly monitor the availability of Skype updates and try to ensure that Leasey keeps pace with them.
It is always a good idea to talk to your Leasey distributor about appropriate software packages and tools prior to installing Leasey so as to obtain the latest information and to ensure you have a good experience when working with your computer.
Under most circumstances, it is not necessary to remove any JAWS script files you may have previously installed. However, before installing Leasey, we advise that you check with us to determine whether or not there are likely to be any conflicts.
If you have installed JAWS and have not made any modifications, there should be no difficulty and you can proceed immediately.
Please read the next paragraph extremely carefully as people do make mistakes here.
Prior to installing Leasey, you should be logged onto the Windows account belonging to the person who will use the product. That account should have Administrator Rights during the installation process. If this is not possible, the location of the installation of the JAWS scripts can be changed as you proceed with installing Leasey. We will point out where this is done within this section of the User Guide.
If you have downloaded Leasey from the internet, please locate the file entitled LeaseyTotalPackage.exe (or LeaseyAdvanced.exe) and press Enter to begin the installation.
If you are already using Leasey, (and you wish to install it into the same JAWS version as before), you can achieve the same effect by activating Leasey's Help system (Leasey Key then "H"), and, from the main help category, select the last item, "Download and Install the Full Leasey Package". When the installer is downloaded, it will ask if you would like to run it. The default Button is "Yes" so press the Space Bar to proceed.
Installing Leasey is extremely straightforward. Simply run the installer program, the majority of prompts for which will be announced by your JAWS screen-reading software automatically.
In most cases, pressing Enter to activate the “Next” Button on each screen should be sufficient. Following the opening screen, you will be asked to accept the Licence Agreement. Press the Tab key to reach a group of Radio buttons, any one of which can be selected by pressing the Up or Down Arrow keys. You should select the Radio button so as to accept the Licence Agreement, then press Enter to proceed. If you wish, you can read the Licence Agreement by pressing the Tab key so as to reach its Edit Field, and then work through it in the usual manner for reading text.
On the next screen, the Leasey installer detects the versions of JAWS which are installed onto the machine and presents you with a series of Radio Buttons, inviting you to choose which release you would like to install Leasey into. Press the Down Arrow key to select the version of JAWS you wish to use,, then press Enter. Leasey can be installed into JAWS versions 18 through to 2024.
If you wish to install Leasey into another JAWS version at a later date, this can easily be achieved by running the installer a second time and choosing a different version of JAWS from the list. Please also refer to the notes below concerning migrating Leasey settings into alternative releases of JAWS.
You will next be asked for a language folder into which Leasey should be installed. This refers to the JAWS language settings to be used. You should press the Down Arrow key until "enu (English US)" is selected, then press Enter. Indeed, this is usually the first item in the list.
Prior to copying the necessary files to the computer, you will be asked to confirm the location of the installation of JAWS script files. If JAWS is being used by a person with an alternative Windows account to the one shown, you should correct this in the Edit Field before proceeding, changing the text so it points to the Leasey user's account instead. The majority of users will not have to be at all concerned with this screen and can just press Enter to continue with the Leasey installation. For I T Administrators in a corporate environment however, (who may be logged onto the computer using a different account to that of the user), this will be particularly important.
When the installer has completed creating the additional folders required for Leasey, and copying files to them, you will be prompted to restart the computer and you should comply with this request. This is critical!
When the computer is restarted, (and if you are using Leasey Total Package), you will hear a message spoken in Leasey’s own female voice, “Leasey Advanced is Active”. We will explain the concept of Leasey Basic and Advanced in a later section of this User Guide.
If you are using Leasey Advanced, you will know that Leasey is installed because you will hear the Leasey version and build number being spoken. If you do not hear this, then Leasey has not been installed correctly. We have a number of questions from people with vision who like to know that Leasey is installed. The trick is: Please Listen! Leasey is a product for the visually impaired. Therefore, we should be listening to what is happening and not looking. So please listen out for the Leasey information when JAWS starts.
When the Windows operating system is fully loaded, please wait for approximately one minute. After this time, Leasey will check the Hartgen Consultancy server to determine whether or not an activation key for the product is available for you. This is based on your JAWS for Windows serial number.
If an activation key is not found, you will be asked if you have a manual activation key. This consists of a series of letters and numbers. It can be sent to you by Email. If you have a manual activation key, press the Enter key on the "Yes" button which is the default option. Type or paste the activation key into the Edit Field and press Enter.
If you do not have an activation key, you will need to select the "No" Button. You will hear messages periodically given, stating that Leasey is running in "Demonstration Mode".
"Demonstration Mode" is designed for people who wish to try Leasey for a limited period. The product is fully functional, however you can only use Leasey for up to 15 Demonstration Sessions . What is a Demonstration Session? Good question. A Demonstration Session lasts a period of two hours. When the two hours have elapsed, the number of Demonstration Sessions is incremented by one. Moreover, if you restart JAWS, the number of Demonstration Sessions is also incremented by one. What this means in practice is that you can gain a maximum of 30 hours trial of Leasey which ought to be more than sufficient for anyone to decide whether the program is suitable or not.
When you reach the 14th Demonstration Session, you will be advised of this.
In addition, a message will be spoken every 10 minutes, stating that Leasey is running in "Demonstration Mode".
When you have exceeded the 15 Demonstration Session limit, a message is spoken every 10 seconds. We strongly advise at that point you either uninstall Leasey or purchase an activation file. Leasey can be uninstalled from the Windows Control Panel.
If an activation key is automatically detected, your copy of Leasey will be registered.
After a short pause, JAWS will be closed and then restarted. All being well, you should hear the words, “JAWS for Windows is ready, Leasey Advanced is Active”.
If you have purchased Leasey, and you find that the product is operating in "Demonstration Mode", please contact your Leasey distributor immediately!
Please note: You can install Leasey onto multiple machines provided the same JAWS serial number is being used. In other words, JAWS must be activated with the same serial number on each of the computers to host Leasey.
Leasey is updated on a very regular basis. We strongly suggest that you check for updates regularly to ensure you have the latest release and that you are benefiting from the many enhancements and features to come!
There are two ways of checking for updates. If using Leasey Advanced, press the Grave Accent key, release it, then press the letter "H". This takes you into Leasey's Hotkey Help. Press Down Arrow until you reach "Check for Updates" and then press Enter.
If you are using Leasey Basic, the option "Check for Updates" can be found by activating "Get Help" from the Leasey Main Menu.
Either way, if an update is found, you will be advised of this and it will be downloaded automatically. JAWS will be restarted following the update.
Sometimes, updates are not detected or they will not download to the computer. Should this happen, you can always download the latest full installer of Leasey from our company website. Any Leasey customisations will not be affected if you download the program and install over the top of the existing version. This is by far the safest way of ensuring Leasey is fully up-to-date. Back to Help Index.