Getting Started With SuperNova | Dolphin Computer Access

Getting Started with SuperNova and Dolphin ScreenReader

Training, Help and Support for new SuperNova and Dolphin ScreenReader users
switching from another Windows magnifier or screen reading software

Learning for Beginners

Get started quickly with SuperNova or Dolphin ScreenReader using the Dolphin Learning Zone pages designed especially for you. These short online courses are perfect for new users or those on a 30-day trial. 

If you use a Braille display, you may also be interested in: 

  Visit Learning Zone  

Learning Zone for You Courses displayed on a laptop screen
Three people on a training team are taking calls, smiling and working on their computers

In-Person and Telephone Training

Every home-user in the UK who purchases SuperNova or Dolphin ScreenReader directly from Dolphin qualifies for one-hour of free telephone training.

This is a fantastic way to help you get started and have your questions answered by a knowledgeable member of the Dolphin Team.

Dolphin also works with a network of trainers throughout the UK, who are able to offer in-person training to meet your needs. Contact the Dolphin Sales team to learn more. 

  Contact Dolphin Sales  

Tackling the Learning Curve

Dolphin recognises that the transition from one Assistive Technology (AT) product to another can bring challenges as you begin to learn new terminology, keyboard commands and new ways to tackle tasks. 

We will help you overcome these barriers with the right information, resources and training that helps.

Read on to find more information, tips and keyboard commands that help make your switch to SuperNova or Dolphin ScreenReader even easier.

 

Young lady training an older man on his laptop computer

Product and Terminology Comparisons

Comparing Assistive Technology Products
 

Windows Assistive Technology Product 

Dolphin Product Edition 

 Fusion

 SuperNova Magnifier & Screen Reader 

 JAWS

 Dolphin ScreenReader 

 NVDA

 Dolphin ScreenReader

 Windows Magnifier

 SuperNova Magnifier

 Windows Narrator

 Dolphin ScreenReader

 ZoomText Magnifier

 SuperNova Magnifier 

 ZoomText Magnifier / Reader 

 SuperNova Magnifier & Speech

   

Terminology Conversions

Consult the following table for a helpful terminology conversion guide for ZoomText, Fusion and JAWS users transitioning to SuperNova or Dolphin ScreenReader.
 

ZoomText, Fusion and JAWS Terms 

SuperNova and Dolphin ScreenReader Terms 

 AppReader 

 Read From Here 

 Camera 

 Connect and View 

 Color Enhancements 

 Colour Schemes 

 Command Keys 

 Hotkeys 

 Cursor Enhancements 

 Cursor Highlighting Options 

 DocReader 

 Doc Reader 

 Dual Monitors 

 Multiple Monitors 

 Dye 

 Tint 

 Finder 

 Item Finder 

 Focus Enhancements 

 Focus Highlighting Options 

 Font Enhancements 

 Font Smoothing 

 Freeze Window 

 Hooked Area 

 JAWS Cursor 

 Dolphin Cursor 

 Mouse Echo 

 Announce Text Under Mouse 

 Pointer Enhancements 

 Mouse Highlighting Options 

 Pointer Scheme 

 Mouse Pointers 

 Say All 

 Read From Here 

 Text Finder 

 Find with Dolphin Cursor 

 Text Processing 

 Text Style Announcements 

 Text Reading Commands 

 Speak Keys 

 Typing Echo 

 Character Echo 

 View mode 

 Overview mode  

 Window Type 

 Magnifier View 

 Web Finder 

 Item Finder 

 Zoom Level 

 Magnification Size

  

Please note:
Product features may not be exactly like-for-like, as company values, research and design often result in differing development outcomes.
 

Keyboard Commands: Desktop and Laptop Hotkey Sets

Throughout SuperNova and Dolphin ScreenReader support and training documentation, there is reference to two Hotkey sets. These are: 

  • Desktop NumPad Hotkey Set
  • Laptop Universal Hotkey Set

The Hotkey Set you choose should be determined by the keyboard you are using. If the keyboard includes a Numeric Keypad, then we recommend you choose the Desktop NumPad Hotkey Set. Otherwise, we recommend you use the Laptop Universal Hotkey Set. 

How to choose a Hotkey Set

Screenshot of Choose Keyboard and Hotkey Set Dialog Box

 

  1.  Open the SuperNova or Dolphin ScreenReader Control Panel. 

  1. Open the "General" menu (ALT + G). 

  1. Open the "Keyboard Settings" submenu and select "Keyboard". This opens the "Choose Keyboard and Hotkey Set" dialog box.

  2. Select your preferences and choose the "OK" button. 

Keyboard Commands: Emulation Modes

Depending on your edition, you will find at least one of the following emulation mode hotkey sets available in the "Choose Keyboard and Hotkey Set" dialog box: Fusion, JAWS, and ZoomText.

These Hotkey Sets aim to give transitioning users the chance to use familiar keystrokes while assessing SuperNova or Dolphin ScreenReader.  

For example, the default Hotkey assignment to open the SuperNova and Dolphin ScreenReader Control Panel is LEFT CONTROL + SPACEBAR. Depending on your chosen Desktop Emulation Set, the keyboard command may be: 

  • Press INSERT + J or INSERT + F2 when using the JAWS Emulation Hotkey Set. 

  • Press LEFT CONTROL + CAPS LOCK + U when using the ZoomText Emulation Hotkey Set. 

  • Press INSERT + J, or INSERT + F2, or LEFT CONTROL + CAPS LOCK + U when using the Fusion Emulation Hotkey Set. 

Longer-term, we strongly recommend you use one of the Dolphin Hotkey sets, as they are referenced throughout all Dolphin manuals and supporting documentation. 

SuperNova and Dolphin ScreenReader Help 

SuperNova and Dolphin ScreenReader include a comprehensive searchable manual and incorporates Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide answers to your product queries using natural language. AI searches the manuals, Knowledge Base articles, training resources and more, to ensure you get the correct answer to your question. 

To use SuperNova and Dolphin ScreenReader Help: 

  1. Open the SuperNova or Dolphin ScreenReader Control Panel. 

  1. Click the "Help" button or press F1. 

  1. Click the appropriate option or press CONTROL + TAB to switch between "Manual", Ask a Question" and "Search". 

Learning Zone

The Dolphin Learning Zone is a great resource when you are new to SuperNova and Dolphin ScreenReader.

In addition to providing CPD-accredited courses for Assessors, Educators, and Trainers, the Learning Zone also offers short courses for individual users wishing to use apps including Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word and Teams. Plus, how to use SuperNova to access WhatsApp and PDFs, how to browse the internet and much more. 

  Visit Learning Zone  

Laptop on a desk displaying a Learning Zone course