FW Editor: What are your plans or objectives for the near future?
Bob: We would like to rewrite this software to use the .NET framework, so it is more easily kept compatible with future versions of Windows, without interfering with any existing features, if possible and time permits.

FW Editor: How and when did you start writing the code for Click-N-Type? What inspired you the most? Do you plan to develop new software, or are you more focused on optimizing the current ones?
Bob: Click-N-Type was first written for a friend's disabled sister, back in 2001, who is a quadriplegic with some very limited use of her right hand and wrist. That was just about enough to operate a Trackball and click her way through Internet browser links. When it came time to type anything in, she was stuck. Well, I spent more than a week searching for "On Screen Virtual Keyboards." After all, someone had to have written one that suited her needs. Sure - There were free ones, Shareware ones of all prices, and some commercial "Buy it now, see if it works later" programs. With the exception of one Hardware solution that came in at not much less than $1K, they all had one thing in common. Under most situations, they just didn't work! After investigating a little more about how Win32 really worked, I decided to just write the darned thing and stop wasting time. I also found it appalling to see how many people were trying to Stick-It-To people with a disability for a product that would cost little or nothing if it wasn't targeted to people who really needed it.

FW Editor: Click-N-Type brings many interesting and unique features. Which is your favorite one? Why?
Bob: - Word prediction and completion. - Fully configurable including macros. - AutoClick and Scanning Modes. - Many language/keyboard packs available. - Keyboard Designer and many user designed layouts included. - Audible and visible feedback options, including Spoken Keys. - Designed for anyone who needs help using a physical keyboard with special consideration for the severely handicapped. - Works with all pointing devices including head mouse and virtual mouse programs like Point-N-Click. - Types into all programs including IE address boxes on older systems. - Programs to administer user access available.

FW Editor: What shall we expect from the next Click-N-Type version? How do you plan to improve this application?
Bob: Any and all requests from disabled individuals are added to our ToDo list for future versions. We make every attempt to incorporate assistive features into our software whenever possible, within the constraints of the Microsoft Operating system we run under. Special modifications to this freeware, for commercial uses, are considered for a consulting fee.

FW Editor: Click-N-Type is not the only virtual keyboard software but it definitely is one of the best. What makes it so special?
Bob: There are other onscreen virtual keyboards around but you'll find Click-N-Type the easiest to use. Try them all. You'll see they all work fine while typing into Notepad or WordPad, but when you attempt to do some real work, with all but the expensive ones, you'll get really annoyed really fast. The Click-N-Type Soft Keyboard was designed with ease of use foremost in mind. All features are the direct result of user need and/or requests. Click-N-Type may not be the prettiest on-screen keyboard today, but it is one of the most configurable, fastest and easiest ones a disabled person can use. Oh yes, it's FREE. If you need it, you can have it.

FW Editor: What are the advantages that Click-N-Type has over a physical keyboard?
Bob: Although many other uses have been found for Click-N-Type, its primary purpose is to give people who have difficulty using a physical computer, access to the word of computing and the ability to communicate with the rest of the world.

FW Editor: How can you describe Click-N-Type in one single word?
Bob: Three words: "Handicapped Accessible Keyboard". Although, probably not politically correct. :-)

FW Editor: Are you accepting user's feedback? If someone has an idea/suggestion related to Click-N-Type how can he send it to you?
Bob: Please send us mail via the "Contact us" button at the http://CNT.LakeFolks.com website.

FW Editor: To end with, is there any message you would like to send to the Click-N-Type users?
Bob: Although all existing features are documented at our website, and even more fully in our Help system, the shear magnitude of features and flexibility of options, sometimes can confuse people. Don't be afraid to ask questions. We try to answer all email within 24 hours.