How do I get started with my WinSlate?

This article will walk you through the very basics of getting started with your WinSlate device.

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Turning on the WinSlate and Opening Mind Express

1. There are 3 buttons on the top left of the device.  Press the button furthest to the left to turn the WinSlate on.

   

2. Once the WinSlate turns on, you will see the desktop screen.  

   

   You will not need to select any desktop icons as Mind Express is set to open automatically.  That said, there may be situations where Mind Express is closed (on purpose or accidentally) and must re-opened.  To do so, click the Mind Express icon on the desktop.  

3. As stated above, Mind Express is set to open automatically (although you may have to wait a moment or two for it to load). Once it is open, this is the screen you will see. This area is called the "Portal."  You can use the arrows to navigate through the pagesets.

   

The "Portal" is where you can see all of the available vocabularies, accessible applications, games, and environmental control tools.  Some AAC users may choose to leave their vocabulary file and navigate to the Portal to access these tools, but any pageset featured in the Portal can be linked directly to a button in the user's vocabulary file for easy access.  For more information on the pagesets that are included, please refer to this article:  Which AAC software solutions can be used on Forbes AAC WinSlate devices?

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Changing How Mind Express Starts Up

You may want to program Mind Express so that certain things happen automatically when it opens.  Common customizations include selecting:

• The pageset that Mind Express starts up with
• The access method (i.e. touch, eye gaze, switch scanning) that Mind Express defaults to at start up 
• "Full screen" settings

This section will cover how to program all 3 of these customizations.

Selecting the Pageset that Mind Express Starts Up With

There may be situations where you would prefer that Mind Express open to a specific pageset (i.e. Amego, CoreWord 40, etc.) rather than to the portal.  To do this...

1. Select "Menu" in the upper left corner, and then select "Settings."

   

2. Select "My Profile."

   

3. Locate the "Start up with" line and use the dropdown to select which pageset you would like Mind Express to start up with (this is usually the AAC user's preferred language file).

   

4. Once you have selected your pageset of choice, select "OK" in the lower right corner of the menu screen.

   

5. The next time you open Mind Express, it will automatically start up with the pageset you selected.  To return to the Portal once a pageset is open, you can either program a button to do so, or you can select "Menu" in the upper left corner and then select "Portal."

Selecting the Access Method that Mind Express Starts Up With

1. Select "Menu" in the upper left corner, and then select "Settings."

   

2. Select "Access."

   

3. Under "General" you will see dropdowns next to "Current access method" and "Starts up with."  Use the "Starts up with" dropdown to select which access method you would like to automatically be set when Mind Express opens.

   

4. The next time you open Mind Express, it will automatically start up with the access method you selected. 

   Note:  To quickly change the access method (i.e. if you need to quickly make edits via Touch but the device is set on "eye gaze"), select in the upper left corner, and then "Choose Access Method."

Selecting "Full Screen" Settings

When "full screen" is turned on, you will not have access to in the upper left corner or in the upper right corner of the screen.  This may be appropriate for AAC users who often make accidental edits or who unintentionally close/minimize their communication software.

1. Select "Menu" in the upper left corner, and then select "Settings."

   

2. Select "My Profile."

   

3. Locate the "Start with full screen line."  "No" means that the Mind Express will not open in full screen.  "Yes" means that Mind Express will open in full screen.

   

4. Ensure that "Swipe to exit full screen" is toggled to "Yes."  This will allow you to exit full screen to access the and buttons by swiping from the top to the bottom of the screen.

   

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Please refer to the WinSlate articles in our online Help Desk to support further exploration of this device!

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Our Team at Forbes AAC always wants to ensure that you feel supported!  If you need additional assistance, please reach out to your local Assistive Technology Specialist or to our Tech Support Team!