If you have difficulty using a computer because of your vision, there are a number of things you can do.
First, check out the accessibility options available within the operating system. You can use these to change the size and colour of things on the screen to make them easier to see, or perhaps even speak them so that you don't have to use the screen. These options come with the computer and are therefore free. All you need to do is find them and turn them on!
Second, if the options within the computer aren't enough, you can download free "assistive technology" software that can magnify or speak the screen contents. It will be limited, but it may be enough to allow you to write documents, send and receive emails and surf the web. We've gathered some information on the more popular free assistive technology applications to help you decide if one of them may be what you need.
Third, if none of the free stuff works, there are a number of products you can buy. Paid-for software usually has more features and better support. Paid-for hardware includes high visibility keyboards, large monitors, and braille displays which can replace a monitor. For people in work or study, funding may be available fo pay for this kind of equipment.
Windows is by far the most popular operating system in use throughout the world, and Windows 8 was released at the end of October. RNIB have produced an introduction to Windows 7, which also covers Windows Vista, and talks about how to use these systems in a non-visual way.
Mac OS X has had a big take-up by blind and partially sighted people in the last couple of years, prompted by the high level of accessibility they have out of the box. Here are some useful pointers to using the accessibility built into Mac OS X, and a more in-depth look at the accessibilty of Apple computers and touch screen devices.
Need help with some of the terminology on this page? Start by reading our glossary of technology terms.