Karen, it really depends on how familiar u r w/linux, etc. Vinux comes up talking right out of the box. I would argue that it isn't so much for people who are "windows minded", but rather for those who are new to linux & don't wish to dive in w/both feet into both a new OS & trying to configure it for speech/braille/magnifier use as well. In other words, its niche is for sight-impaired linux newbies. Having said that, though, it has plenty of stuff for the advanced users to play with as well. It does by default come up speaking using orca. I would urge u that if u have questions about vinux to consider joining the vinux mailing list. I can supply that address if you're interested. They're a very supportive & friendly group--Tony, Mo, Niber, Storm, Bill Cox, & others really do a good job putting it together. Another thing u might wish to consider is Knoppix-adrianne, which also comes up speaking. GRML does not, but speakup is built in. It, too, comes up in some sort of weird graphical menu by default. I believe u press tab at the boot prompt, then write speakup, & at the end u write speakup=synth. Consult the docs on that if you're interested. Slackware can also be used as a talking distro. Of all the linux distros, that's probably the lightest weight 1 of the lot. U should really supply the specs for your machine so folks can be of more assistance. Anyway, hth. On 6/2/11, Karen Lewellen <klewellen@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: > Hi all, > normally I denote like such discussions, but I have a specific reason for > asking. > I have an IBM thinkpad 560f or so that I am wanting to convert to Linux. > it is my dos laptop right now, but I am about to upgrade to thinkpad 600x > for that purpose. > Everything I read about debian motivates me in that direction, but I am > not sure which flavor is best for such a machine. it has a fine external > 9 pin port for a synthesizer, so I should? be fine on that front. > Still there is all this buzz about vinux so I thought I would get > advantages and disadvantages. I admit the discussion on the speakup list > about a bug in the source distro for vinux has me wanting to skip > this...along with that distro being best for the windows minded smiles. > Thoughts on my goals? > Karen > > _______________________________________________ > Blinux-list mailing list > Blinux-list@xxxxxxxxxx > https://www.redhat.com/mailman/listinfo/blinux-list > -- Blame the computer--why not? It can't defend itself & occasionally might even be the culprit Jackie McBride Jaws Scripting training materials: www.screenreaderscripting.com homePage: www.abletec.serverheaven.net _______________________________________________ Blinux-list mailing list Blinux-list@xxxxxxxxxx https://www.redhat.com/mailman/listinfo/blinux-list