JAWS – Seamless update FAQ for IT Admins

JAWS – Seamless update FAQ for IT Admins


Problem

An IT admin has questions regarding the use of Seamless Updates feature in JAWS/Fusion 2024.

 

Applies to

  1. JAWS
  2. Fusion

 

Detail

Seamless updates has been introduced in the 2024 cycle for JAWS/Fusion.  This feature allows for the background update of JAWS scripts used to support various applications.

 

Resolution

Please see below FAQ derrived from a recent support enquiry for a large organisational site regarding use of Seamless updates within a managed IT environment which may be of use to other such organisations.


Is it optional?

  1. It is optional using two methods: It is disabled when JAWS is installed with the setup package, "DisableExternelServices" command line switch.  
  2. From an admin perspective, one cannot turn it off without disabling all external services.  Individual users can also enable/disable the feature, but they have to go through a UAC prompt. It is controlled in the JAWS basics dialog. 



If switched on, can it be pointed at specific users, or do all have to have it?

Please see above answer.

 


If switched on, how much notice would we get of coming updates?

This comes through social outreach. There is no expectation that prior alerts will be announced.

 


If switched on, could we decline certain updates – or would we need to accept all?

  1. No. There is no way to granularly control it.
  2. The scope of these changes, however, is limited to urgent script and localization changes.

 


Can it be fully switched off?

  1. Yes, use the DisableExternalServices setup package command line switch.

 


If switched off will updates be available as now - for us to package and release?

  1. DisableExternalServices also turns off automatic updates.  If, however, a specific user has turned it off using the basics dialog, it will not turn off automatic software updates. 

    • Related Articles

    • FS Install – Seamless Updates port information

      Problem An organisation that uses Freedom Scientific products needs information communication of Seamless Updates feature. Detail Seamless Updates is a new method of updating JAWS script support silently, responsively and without user intervention or ...

    • FS Install - Disable external services for JAWS/ZoomText/Fusion installations in secure environments

      Problem Security conscious organisations/sites may with to customise or disable online features for Freedom Scientific products. Applies to JAWS ZoomText Fusion Resolution From version 2021 upwards it is possible to disable JAWS/Zoomtext/Fusion use ...

    • JAWS - Disable JAWS automatic updates

      Problem A customer who does not have a current SMA would like to avoid their JAWS updating to prevent them updating to a version for which they do not have a license and therefore risk going into 40 minute demo mode. Resolution Note Method 1 may be ...

    • FS Install - Disable use of external Services

      Problem An organization who wishes to install a Freedom Scientific product without online facilities enabled. This may be a regulatory requirement in secure locations. Note The /DisableExternalServices switch does not disable remote access features. ...

    • Freedom Scientific BLV products updates and upgrades

      Information This document describes how major version releases and maintenance updates are handled for Freedom Scientific BLV family or software products. Applies o JAWS ZoomText Fusion Upgrades • Freedom Scientific product major upgrades have a ...