KeyStrokes and KeyStrokes Extension were written specifically for those of us who are not (or no longer) able to use a normal keyboard. KeyStrokes provides a fully functional on-screen keyboard that you can use to type with the mouse anywhere you would use a normal (hardware) keyboard (applications, dialog boxes, etc.). It also allows you to shift/option/command/control click. For the bug fixes and new features in version 1.2 see the "Version history" section below.
KeyStrokes is presently only available for the Apple Macintosh and Power Macintosh. It requires system 7.1 or later. It runs on any Mac with a PowerPC or 68020 processor or higher. Version 1.2 is free for registered users. This is probably the last freeware version of KeyStrokes. It is impossible to continue to maintain and improve KeyStrokes without asking a small fee. A shareware version with more features and still better responsiveness is expected in spring 1999. You can always find the latest version of KeyStrokes on our web site (http://www.niemconsult.demon.nl/KShome.html).
This software was written by David Niemeijer. Special thanks are due to Martijn Leopold, Rudo Niemeijer, Giesbert Nijhuis and the beta-testers.
How to Install KeyStrokes
The software requires KeyStrokes Extension to be installed in the Extensions Folder of your System Folder. You are advised to also install the "TSM Fix" extension in your Extensions folder for optimum performance. Restart your computer after installing these extensions. You can place the KeyStrokes application anywhere on your hard disk. Only after you register KeyStrokes can you run it from a read-only device such as a CD-ROM.
Liability & Warranties
YOU USE THIS SOFTWARE AT YOU OWN RISK. Under no circumstances shall Niemeijer Consult be liable for any incidental, special or consequential damages whatsoever (including, but not limited to, damages to your software, hardware or person) arising out of the use of or inability to use this software or related documentation, even if Niemeijer Consult has been advised of the possibility of such damages. We provide KeyStrokes, KeyStrokes Extension and the related documentation "as is" without warranty of any kind and Niemeijer Consult expressly disclaims all other warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Conditions
You may use this software for a 15 day trial period. After these 15 days you should register the software. Registered users will receive a registration number and may use version 1.2 for free. Registered users will be kept informed of updates by e-mail.
You are free to distribute KeyStrokes as long as you do this in its original self-extracting archive. You are not allowed to sell or resell KeyStrokes and KeyStrokes Extension. You are not allowed to (re)distribute a registered copy.
Features
* type with a mouse (or other input device) instead of a keyboard
* modifier keys (shift, option, command, and control) are automatically turned off after the next key is clicked with the exception of capslock which remains on until it is clicked again.
* other applications (almost all) are made to believe that the modifier keys that you turned on on the on-screen keyboard are actually continuously held down during mouse clicks and other events. This allows you to, for example, shift-click or option-click without depressing those keys on a physical keyboard. It also allows you to use a command-key combination to perform a menu command.
* multiple keyboard sizes for the on-screen keyboard
* multiple fonts for the on-screen keyboard (this does not change the font in your application!)
* allows on screen typing in virtually any window or dialog box.
* KeyStrokes automatically adapts to the Keyboard Layout you have chosen. It also works with most non-Roman scripts. See more about this under the Warnings & Tips section.
Version history
Bug Fixes and New Features in Version 1.2
* Bug Fix: KeyStrokes now has the correct behavior for collapsing its window under MacOS 8 and later
* Bug Fix: A general slow down of (amongst others) screen updates that occured while using some applications (notably SimpleText and Eudora) under MacOS 8.5 and 8.5.1. caused by the KeyStrokes extension has been fixed.
* Bug Fix: If the monitor resolution was reduced after quiting KeyStrokes this could lead to a hidden window when launching KeyStrokes again. Now the KeyStrokes window is automatically repositioned to its default position if on startup it finds itself off-screen.
* Increased responsiveness of KeyStrokes (in amongst others Microsoft Word).
* Added separate preferences file allowing the use of a registered copy of KeyStrokes on a CD-ROM or other read-only device.
* Made various improvements to the user-interface
* Reduced file size and RAM usage of KeyStrokes and KeyStrokes extension
Bug Fixes and New Features in Version 1.1
* Bug fix: KeyStrokes now also has a moveable window under System 7.1
* Bug fix: KeyStrokes now correctly works on black and white monitors.
* There is a Preferences dialog under the File menu.
* Keys are repeated if you keep down the mouse button on top of a key (very useful for the cursor keys!). This option "Enable Key Repeat" can be turned on/off in the Preferences Dialog.
* The preferences dialog now offers the option "Don't modify keys when command key is down" which allows you to see the un-modified keys when you choose a command key combination. If this option is turned off choosing command-option-m will for instance show "µ" instead of "m" on the keyboard, this can sometimes be confusing.
* You can now collapse the KeyStrokes window by double clicking in the window title bar. This works under System 7 as well as with MacOS 8 and later. In MacOS 8 and later you can also use the collapse box in the right corner of the window title bar.
* The RAM footprint of KeyStrokes has been reduced.
* TypeIt4Me 4.8 and later are expected to work better with KeyStrokes 1.1 and later (see our web site for details)
Warnings
We have made all possible efforts to make the software as stable as possible. Special precautions have been taken to prevent that in case of a crash the KeyStrokes application takes down the whole system with it, still we cannot guarantee that this will not happen on your system under any circumstances.
Warning1: If possible avoid running KeyStrokes and KeyStrokes Extension when installing new system software!
Warning2: The proper operation of KeyStrokes and KeyStrokes Extension may be affected by running certain games, even after you have quit the game application!
Tips
*Install the TSM Fix extension that came with this software in the Extension Folder of your System Folder for best performance. If you do not have TSM Fix installed some clicks may seem to "go through" the KeyStrokes on-screen keyboard.
*If the cursor keys are showing text instead of arrows (or very ugly arrows) make sure that the complete Symbol font is properly installed on your computer.
*If you use KeyStrokes with a Keyboard Layout of a non-Roman script make sure that you have selected an appropriate font for that script to "see what you get and get what you see".
*When you turn on the option key of the on-screen Keyboard a few keys are outlined with a black box. These are so-called "dead keys" that allow you to type accented characters just as with a normal keyboard. Depending on the type of font you have chosen this represents true "What You See Is What You Get". After pressing such a dead key no character will be generated, instead the keyboard will show you which character it will generate when you press the second key.
Registration
Version 1.2 of KeyStrokes and KeyStrokes Extension is free for registered users. The preferred method of registering this software is through our online registration form that can be found on our web site (site registration is also available):
http://www.niemconsult.demon.nl/KShome.html
Alternatively you can register by sending an e-mail to KeyStrokes@Niemconsult.nl with the following information:
your first name and last name:
name of your company or organisation if applicable:
your mail address:
your e-mail address:
how did you find out about KeyStrokes:
version of KeyStrokes you are using (see "About KeyStrokes…" on the Apple Menu):
computer model(s) you use KeyStrokes on:
system software version(s) you use KeyStrokes with:
reason why you use KeyStrokes (disabled/special education/server management/tablet use/convenience/
optional: a short explanation why you want to use this software:
If you do not have access to e-mail you may also register by mail if you include $5 worth of your local currency with your application. This is to cover administrative expenses and postage. A mail application should be send to:
Niemeijer Consult
Kerkpad 12 N.Z.
3764 AK Soest
The Netherlands
Europe
Your trial period will be extended for 30 days once you press the "I will send in my registration" button.
Once you receive your registration number you should enter your name (first name and last name) and your registration number in the appropriate fields and press the "Complete Registration" button. If you correctly entered this information you will now be the proud owner of an official, registered copy of KeyStrokes 1.2. If you made an error the program will beep and not accept your registration (yet).
Registered users will be informed of updates through e-mail.
Distribution
You are free to distribute KeyStrokes as long as you do this in its original (self-extracting) archive. You are not allowed to sell or resell KeyStrokes and KeyStrokes Extension. You are not allowed to (re)distribute a registered copy.
Known Problems and Incompatibilities
* Some applications do not respond well to KeyStrokes in that they are slow in responding to keys. In such a case it may help to make sure tha t the KeyStrokes window is not above one of your application's windows.
* Microsoft Word may not respond to clicks on the KeyStrokes keyboard under certain conditions, for instance when Symantec CopyDoubler is installed.
* Microsoft Word as well as some other applications yield little time to background processes such as KeyStrokes. In a cooperative multitasking environment such as the current MacOS version (at least up to 8.5.1) this reduces responsiveness of the KeyStrokes keyboard. Other word processors may cooperate much better with KeyStrokes.
* Due to an operating system related bug, dialogs (most notably print dialogs) may in some applications be difficult to type in and KeyStrokes may display odd behavior. Often it helps when you do not move or collapse the KeyStrokes window when the dialog is up front. Quiting and then restarting KeyStrokes may in a few cases be necessary.
* Symantec CopyDoubler and the OneClick control panel are not compatible with KeyStrokes and influences the response of other applications to keys typed with KeyStrokes in unexpected ways.
* KeyStrokes is likely not to work with some (especially arcade style) games, be careful in using KeyStrokes with games.
* Certain (especially arcade style) games do not await events to determine whether keys are down, but read the keymap directly. In those cases they will not be aware of the keys turned on on the KeyStrokes keyboard.
* In general you can use KeyStrokes and a hardware keyboard at the same time. In a few cases this might lead to unexpected results. For example, when a modifier key (shift, command, etc.) on the on-screen keyboard is turned off this has precedence over the hardware keyboard and the key is turned off even if you are still holding it down on the hardware keyboard.
* The current version of KeyStrokes does not change the cursor shape when the cursor is above the on-screen keyboard. Instead, the cursor shape that the front-most application has set will remain active.
Bug Reports
Bug reports are welcome and should be e-mailed to KeyStrokes@Niemconsult.nl with "bug report" in the subject field. Please include as much information as possible about your computer, system software, the KeyStrokes version, and the problem. If you are working with MacOS 8 or later you should e-mail a system profile made with the Apple System Profiler under the Apple Menu. Make sure that it shows all extensions and control panels.
As this software is free we cannot guarantee technical support, but we will do whatever is within our means (time and finances).
