Problem

A new JAWS customers requires information about installing JAWS for the first time.

Applies to

1. JAWS

Resolution

Before using JAWS software it must be downloaded, installed and authorized before it can be used.

About JAWS installation media

1. All Freedom Scientific products including JAWS are supplied as a download link in an email.  It may also be freely downloaded from the website:  https://support.freedomscientific.com/Downloads/JAWS
   
2. If the license you have is not new you may wish to check which version you need by going to:  https://fsactivate.freedomscientific.com/Activation/VerifyActivationKeys 
   
3. Physical media can be provided at extra cost through sales.
   

Installation steps

1. Below are details installation steps with keyboard instructions available for a screen reader to use for installing JAWS on their system.  If a customer cannot start Windows Narrator or another screen reader they may need some assistance from a helper or friend to assist with installation.
   
2. The steps are applicable to those users who own and manage their own computer at home.  Those customers who use their PC in connection with an organisation or business where that entity has an IT staff it maybe necessary to seek their help with installation of the software.
   

1. At the Windows Desktop press CONTROL+WINDOWSKEY+ENTER to start Narrator speech.
   
2. Press WINDOWS key and search for a web browser to open.
   
3. When the browser is open press CONTROL+L to focus the address bar.
   
4. Then enter the website address:  support.freedomscientific.com/downloads/jaws or click activate the link with your screen reader.
   
5. On the JAWS download page press TAB to reach the current installer for JAWS then press ENTER on the link, the installer will commence downloading.
   
6. Press WINDOWSKEY+R and type the word Downloads then press ENTER.  A new File Explorer window will appear.
   
7. Use UP/DOWN arrow keys or first letter navigation to find the JAWS download, the filename will be similar to the example j2024.2406.121.400-any.exe depending on when you are installing JAWS the numbers may be slightly different.
   
8. Press ENTER to start the installation.
   
9. If the computer posts a message asking whether the installer should be allowed to continue press the shortcut ALT+Y or TAB to the Yes button and press ENTER.
   
10. After a short time the main installed window launches, press SPACEBAR  to agree to the license and press ENTER.
    
11. As the install progresses you may hear a progress bar announced or indicated in sound.
    
12. When the finish window appears press ENTER to activate the Finish button.
    
13. A further dialogue will be posted asking to confirm if the system should be restarted.  Press ALT+Y to restart or press TAB to reach Yes button and press ENTER.  The system will then restart.
    
14. Once the system has restarted JAWS should run automatically and post notices about sending diagnostic information and run the start up wizard where you can start important options.

Note

After installation and restart it is important to respond to the options regarding start so that the software may start automatically the next time Windws is started.  Failure to do so will lead to JAWS not starting automatically and you may have to start the software manually.  If the for some reason these prompts are missed see setting JAWS auto start up for further information.