Configuring XP’s Text To Speech Feature Part III

Configuring the Narrator
XP includes its own TTS utility called the Narrator. If you require a TTS utility, keep in mind that it is limited in functionality. First of all, it is designed to work with a specific set of programs that includes Control Panel programs, Notepad, WordPad, Internet Explorer, Windows Setup, and the Windows desktop. This means it may not work for other programs. Second, the Narrator is only supported on the English version of XP.

To start the utility press CTRL + ESC, press R, type narrator, and press Enter. You can also configure the Narrator to start automatically each time you log onto the computer. Open the Utility Manager be pressing the Windows Key + U. Select Narrator and place a check beside the Start automatically when I log in option. As you can see, the Narrator is configured to start automatically when you launch the Utility Manager.

Once you open the Narrator, a dialog box will appear. As you can see, it can be configured to perform several different TTS functions that include:

• Announce events on screen - The Narrator will read aloud new windows, menus, or shortcuts when they are displayed.
• Read typed characters - The Narrator will read typed characters aloud.
• Move mouse pointer to the active item - The mouse pointer will follow the active item that is on the screen.
• Start Narrator minimized - This allows you to start the Narrator without seeing the dialog box. The utility is minimized.

The Narrator dialog box includes a Voice button that can be used to control voice settings. Voice settings for the Narrator include: Speed, Volume, and Pitch. Once you have configured the appropriate values, click OK to return to the Narrator dialog box.

With the Narrator settings configured, your speakers turned on, and the volume turned up, you can minimize the Narrator dialog box, and XP will be ready to talk to you. Depending on how you have the Narrator configure, you should hear the pre-configured voice read the text that appears on your screen. For example, if you are working in Microsoft Word, the Narrator will repeat the text as you type. You can turn off the Narrator at any time by clicking Exit from the Narrator dialog box and clicking Yes when prompted.

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