A screen reader or (to English) screen reader is an external software that can read the text of other software, and sometimes controls the software with voice.
Screen readers are mainly used by blind or partially sighted people, for example, in combination with a web browser. The screen reader can help them to surf the Internet.
The choice for a particular screen reader depends on the user and the circumstances. Especially in business environments, it is important to first perform a workplace analysis to determine which programs are used. During such research, there is evidence of locally installed software, virtual environments and / or web-based applications. The complexity of a workplace places high demands on a screen reader and whether scripting is needed to get everything in touch and keep it alive. Based on the analysis, the choice will be made for the most suitable screen reader.
Web browsers have built-in browser reader functionality.
In 2004, Apple announced a built-in screen reader in a future version of its operating system Mac OS X. This screen reader under the name VoiceOver was launched in April 2005.
Since the beginning of 2007, the GNOME desktop environment includes the Orca open source browser reader.
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