To run the latest versions of the programs at average speed and reliability, it is essential to utilize a high-end computer system. To set standards for SJSU, the DRC recommends specific vendors for our assistive software. In the interest of standardization, it is imperative that only products available to both sets of users be chosen. This narrows choices down considerably. NT is a very high-end operating system that has strict restrictions on programs that directly access the computer hardware.
Assistive software is highly dependent on the individual hardware components.
For example, screen magnification software utilizes video card drivers to enlarge the screen, and screen reader software accesses the sound card to vocalize what is presented on screen. Traditionally, the easiest way for software developers to get software to use hardware components is to have the software physically access the drivers for the hardware. However, for various reasons, NT will not allow such access, which makes the software unable to run on NT machines. Most companies have not yet been able to invest the extra expense required in providing software versions that will run on NT machines. One vendor with such products is Henter-Joyce, which makes MAGic screen magnification software and JAWS screen reader.