Enlarge text

Site help

How do I make the text bigger so that it is easier for me to read?
How do I change colours so that the contrast is better for me?
I find a mouse difficult to use - how do I move around without one?
What are PDFs and how do I read them?
How can a view a Microsoft Word file if I dont have Word software?
Where can I learn more about Accessibility?

How do I make the text bigger so that it is easier for me to read?

Quick and easy on screen method

Locate the AAA text enlarger icon feature which appears on every page and click the letter size of your choice.

Using your browser controls

Using Internet Explorer, go to View > Text size > and select the size you want.

Using Netscape, go to View > Text zoom > and select the size you want.

How do I change colours so that the contrast is better for me?

To change the colour of the text and background your browser displays you need to find the Colors option dialogue box.

Using Internet Explorer, go to Tools > Internet options > Colors Uncheck Use windows colors and select the colours you prefer.

Using Netscape, go to Edit > Preferences > Colors Select Use my chosen colors

I find a mouse difficult to use - how do I move around without one?

Access keys
Access keys allow you to move around the main areas of the site without using a mouse.

Press the ALT key (Windows) or the Control key (Mac) and the appropriate letter key to jump to the link, and then Return to activate the link.

Access keys for Windows (use the Control key for the Mac).

ALT and S = Skip navigation
ALT and J = Jump to the top of page
ALT and 1 = Home page
ALT and 2 = About the Society
ALT and 3 = Our work
ALT and 4 = Science news
ALT and 5 = Events diary
ALT and 6 = Science issues
ALT and 7 = Share your views
ALT and A = Access key enabled
ALT and T = Text only
ALT and Z = Text only settings
ALT and H = Site help
ALT and M = Site map
ALT and G = Glossary
ALT and R = Register
ALT and C = Contact us

Access keys may not work at all, or may work differently, depending on the browser you are using.

What are PDFs and how do I read them?

PDF stands for Portable Document File. Its the most popular way of making downloadable documents available on the web.

You need a plug-in called Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these files. You can download this free. Users who have concerns about accessibility should visit Adobes accessibility website.

Adobe Acrobat documents can be converted to plain text documents using Adobe PDF Conversion by Simple Form.

The latest version of Acrobat Reader (version 6) has a Read Out Loud facility, which can be found under the View menu.

How can a view a Microsoft Word file if I dont have Word software?

A free Word viewer is available from Microsoft

Youll find Word, Excel and PowerPoint viewers here too.

My browser is out of date. How can I get a new one?

The most recent versions can be downloaded from the web.

Many Internet and computer magazines for sale in newsagents include giveaway CDs with copies of the latest browsers. This can be quicker and easier than downloading browsers from the web, especially if you have a slow Internet connection.

Where can I learn more about Accessibility?

For more online help and web tips, visit the BBCs My Web, My Way website

If you have any problems accessing the content of this site or using any form of adaptive technology, please contact us and we will make every effort to solve the problem.

Printer friendly