another rout is the mac
it all ready has a screen reader built in to it
just a thaught
73
hank smith
amiture radio call sign:
KE7IEF
email:
hanksmith4@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
msn messenger:
hanksmith5@xxxxxxxxxxx
aim:
hanksmith5
skype:
hanksmith5
----- Original Message -----
From: "David Andrews" <dandrews@xxxxxxxx>
To: "Linux for blind general discussion" <blinux-list@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 9:52 AM
Subject: Re: Advice for blind Linux newbie
Hello>:
I have a couple observations -- some of which won't be popular on a Linux
list. First, it is a bit tricky to install ZoomText and JAWS on the same
computer. Secondly, it is an even worse idea to run both at the same
time.
I suspect you are right that only using each half way is causing your
friend problems. Whether visually impaired or totally blind, a person
will ultimately benefit from learning how to do things in Windows, or
another OS, with keystrokes. It can help to have an idea of what the
screen looks like, but not absolutely necessary. I think a good teacher
could use analogies to convey various ideas to a student.
I am not convinced a switch to Linux will solve your friend's problems.
Somebody will probably jump all over me here, I assure you I am not a
Linux basher. I have a Sun Cobalt server in my basement after all.
However you point to one of the problems with Linux yourself, when you say
"What distro should I use." At some point, most Unix and Linux
discussions ultimately degrade into a "my distribution is better than
yours." It is counter productive and dissipates much of the advantages
that the OS may have.
Linux is not for the faint of heart, or newbie. If you set everything up
for your friend, and maintain it, it might work for him/her, but it may
not. There can be long commands to memorize, etc.
Further, relatively speaking there are many more blind and visually
impaired Windows users than Linux users, so there is a community of users,
lists, tutorials, trainers, consultants etc. out there. This pool of
resources is not as large in Linux, and ultimately they start arguing
about the relative merits of their particular installations.
Write me off list, and we can discuss other training alternatives, etc.
It is possible that another approach might work. I would guess you are a
sighted person, and may have a mouse orientation. I am not trying to be
critical, just realistic.
Dave
At 04:59 AM 7/6/2006, you wrote:
Hi, I have just subscribed. Hello to everyone. I was hoping for some
advice. My friend is visually impaired and has been struggling with
windows for the last year. The GUI is what is causing him the most
problems. As he has never been able to see well enough to grasp concepts
such as tabs, menus and the desktop, he often gets lost and doesn't know
where he is. His learning has come to a halt and he is getting
frustrated, so I have come here. I have wanted to try Linux myself and
thought I could learn a little along the way by setting it up for him.
On windows he uses Zoomtext (screen magnifier) and Jaws (screen reader).
I think this causes him more problems as he won't rely on either
completely.
So I am looking for a simple setup that allows him to play music, read
emails and browse the web. Can anyone recommend which Linux distros I
could use and what I should install for accessibility with your reasons
please?
This would be a great help.
Thank you
_________________________________________________________________
Windows LiveT Messenger has arrived. Click here to download it for free!
http://imagine-msn.com/messenger/launch80/?locale=en-gb
_______________________________________________
Blinux-list@xxxxxxxxxx
https://www.redhat.com/mailman/listinfo/blinux-list
David Andrews and white cane Harry.
_______________________________________________
Blinux-list@xxxxxxxxxx
https://www.redhat.com/mailman/listinfo/blinux-list
__________ NOD32 1.1646 (20060706) Information __________
This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.
http://www.eset.com
_______________________________________________
Blinux-list@xxxxxxxxxx
https://www.redhat.com/mailman/listinfo/blinux-list