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Tips for New Users

Read transcript of Fred's greeting

• What is a Database?
• What Kind of Information Can I Find in Fred's Head?
• Navigating Fred's Head with a Screen Reader
• Search Options
• How to Do a Quick Search
• Meet Fred!

What Is a Database?

A database is a collection of related information about a subject. The whole database is comprised of smaller units called records. When a user performs a successful search, records are retrieved.

What kind of information can I find in Fred's Head?

The Fred's Head Database is a source of tips and techniques for and by blind or visually impaired individuals. It is meant to provide people with useful information on how to do things that interest them. This includes records about technology, recreation, daily living skills, orientation and mobility, and more. Fred's Head also includes information on where to find adaptive products and provides links to interesting Web sites. Fred's Head is a unique source of information, since blind or visually impaired individuals have written most of its records.

Navigating Fred's Head with a Screen Reader

Screen Displays

The Fred's Head Database consists of three different screens that display information. The Search Screen is the place where you will conduct your searches. A successful search will result in a Title Display page. This page displays titles that are links to Fred's Head records. Once the record titles are selected, the Record Display shows the full text of the records.

Fields

The Fred's Head Database contains 3 kinds of input fields: edit boxes, buttons and check boxes.

Edit boxes are fields in which you can type keywords or subjects related to the topic that you want to search. Buttons cause an action to happen (for example, the "search" button activates the search process). Check boxes accompany titles in the Title Display and are found in the Record Display. They allow you to select records for display. They also accompany the categories in the "Limit by Category" section of the Advanced Search option.

How to move through the links and fields

• You may move down the screen through the links and fields by pressing the "tab" key on your keyboard.
• You may move backwards through the links and fields by holding down the "shift" key and pressing the "tab" key at the same time.
• Press "enter" to activate a button or link.
• Use the space bar of your keyboard to check or uncheck a check box.

NOTE: Newer versions of screen reading software require the use of specific keyboard commands for enabling the use of edit boxes, buttons, and checkboxes. The most common command is to press "enter" within the specific field you want to enable.

Search Options in Fred's Head

Fred's Head offers three search options:

1. Browse by Category. Simply select a category button and the search will be done automatically. This is a good choice if you are not sure what you're looking for or if you are unsure of what words to use in a search.
2. Quick Search. Type one or more keywords.
3. Advanced Search. You may browse a list of subjects to add to your search, type in keywords or phrases, and narrow your search by category. This option allows you to be specific in your query.

When you select the link "Search Fred's Head" in the welcome page, you will find these three search options. Select one to enter a Search Screen. In each Search Screen you will find "Help" buttons specific to that search option.

How to Do a Quick Search

To familiarize yourself with the Fred's Head Database, start with a "quick" search by following these instructions.

1. Select the link "Search Fred's Head Database," and press "Enter."
2. Select the link "Quick Search" and press "Enter."
3. Find the edit box that is labeled "Keyword."
4. Type a keyword in the edit box. For example, type the word "label."
5. Locate the "Search" button and press "Enter." This search will take you to a new screen that lists the results of your search.

Search results screen
Your search results will be displayed as a list of titles from records in Fred's Head. To read a record press "Enter" in the title link.

Once you are familiar with doing a "quick" search, find the help buttons in every screen in order to learn about other features. The help screens are written explicitly for people using keyboard commands.

Meet Fred!

The Fred from whom "Fred's Head" gets its name is Fred Gissoni. Fred has been providing technical support to APH customers since 1988. He has been in work with the blind since 1953 and has been a rehab placement officer, counselor, teacher, case supervisor, center director, and technical service unit director.

He has written and taught courses for the Hadley School for the Blind and was a visiting instructor at the University of Kentucky.

Search Fred's Head

©2004, American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.