Re: focussing the desktop [was: Mozilla - like JAWS or like Hal?]

["Tom and Esther Ward" <tward1978 earthlink net>]

Hi, Bill.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill Haneman" <Bill Haneman Sun COM>
To: "Tom and Esther Ward" <tward1978 earthlink net>
Cc: <gnome-accessibility-list gnome org>
Sent: Thursday, May 06, 2004 5:57 AM
Subject: Re: focussing the desktop [was: Mozilla - like JAWS or like Hal?]


> Tom and Esther Ward wrote, about desktop and panel focus:
>
> >In addition to focusing the desktop we really need a quick and easy way
to
> >get to the pannel. Perhaps a new hot key such as alt+control+p.
> >I don't mind alt+control+tabbing, but there are times I want to go
directly
> >to the pannel and nowhere else.
> >
> >
> Control-Alt-Tab doesn't take you to the desktop only, this is the same
> shortcut that takes you to the panel; it cycles between them.  The
> Control-Alt-d shortcut isn't intended to "focus" the desktop, it hides
> all the normal windows.  So we don't have desktop or panel specific
> focus shortcuts.  Since a typical user may only have one panel (and one
> desktop), the use of the same shortcut for both seems like good
> economy.  Keep in mind that all "global" shortcuts of this kind are
> exclusive, that is, they prevent the use of the same key combinations by
> all other applications.  For that reason, there's a strong need to
> restrict their number.   Also, it means fewer combinations to memorize.

I know about how to cycle between the pannel and desktop using
alt+control++tab, but there needs to be a way to get to the main pannel
quickly from anywhere.
Here is an example. A user wwants to  check the current time. It would be
easier to do an alt+control+p to get the main pannel, and tab to the clock.
As it stands now one must cycle through desktop and all pannels to get the
main pannel using alt+control+tab, and then tab around on the main pannel to
find the clock. It is alot more work than is necessary.
 I imagine I am like most users in putting launchers for folders, and
applications on the main pannel for easy access, and it would be nice to be
able to reach that pannel quickly from anywhere.

> Do you feel that the extra keystroke (Control-Alt-Tab-Tab) required to
> reach the next item in the focus chain (i.e. panel or desktop) is a big
> issue?  Or were you perhaps misunderstanding the way Control-Alt-Tab
cycles?

I know how alt+control+tab cycles, and it is a great command. the only issue
is there are limits on which item in the chain comes up first.
What I would like to see in 2.8 is the ability to select what item in the
chain I want be it a pannel or the desktop. Perhaps a hot key to go directly
to the main pannel and one for desktop. Another option is a command that
brings up a list of options which one can arrow to and after pressing enter
on the option it will go to that item in the chain.


> best regards,
>
> - Bill
>
>