What is the minimum requirements of a computer to run linux? I was
hoping to load it on an older machine retired from DOS; a 386 or 486
with not much memory or hardware expansion. Perhaps modern linux won't
run on a machine of that vintage?
On 10/29/2021 10:33 AM, Linux for blind general discussion wrote:
Hi,
I am also relatively new to using Linux as a blind person. Over the
past several months, I have downloaded and tried several of the
recommended Linux distributions. About a month ago, I came across
Linux Mint with the Mate desktop. I like it very much. I am currently
working on a project where I have to setup Linux computers for several
sighted people and I am using Mint as the distro that I am deploying.
I am happy to say that I put the first of these computers into
production this week.
So far, so good. There are a few minor things that I would like to
learn to tweak on that system, but I am confident that knowledge will
come to me over time.
The accessibility experience with Linux Mint Mate has been very
positive. After downloading the live ISO from linuxmint.com, I used
Rufus running on my Windows 7 computer to create a bootable USB
flash drive. (https://rufus.ie/en/) I used a 10 year old Lenovo
Thinkpad X220 for all of the testing, first just running from the
flash drive and later, installing on a fresh Samsung EVO SSD in the
X220. Performance on this 10 year old computer was excellent. I
actually did all of the configuration, tweaking and user testing on
the X220. Once the setup was ready to turn over to the user, I made an
image of the SSD and then just swapped the SSD into the computer for
the user. Her computer is also a Lenovo. Mint booted on her computer
and she was off and running. I am impressed that I was able to
complete the setup of the computer with relatively few roadblocks. I
am also impressed with the performance and stability of Linux Mint
Mate. The next system that I will be configuring is somewhat more
demanding, but I am confident that I will get through it. As with the
first system, I will be doing all of the testing and configuration on
my trusty old X220 with a fresh Samsung EVO SSD.
So, if you do not have a old PC gathering dust in a closet, you can
create a bootable USB containing Linux Mint Mate and then boot from
the USB stick on your existing Windows computer. When you are done
playing with Linux, just remove the USB stick and reboot back into
Windows. I believe that in the Mint install program, which is fully
screen reader accessible, there might be an option where you can
install Linux Mint alongside your existing Windows install. Then at
boot time, you can choose which system to boot in to. I did not do
this, so I can not comment on how well this works.
One more thing...When you boot into the USB stick, you will have to
press control+Alt+Super (this is what linux calls the Windows key) in
order to start the Orca screen reader. The "Orca" key is the insert
key, just like Jaws or NVDA. Do a web search for "orca screen reader"
and you will find plenty of information to help get you up to speed
with this screen reader. I am having no problem jumping between it and
Jaws/NVDA.
This experience has been enjoyable for me and I hope that it will be
for you also. Do not hesitate to reach out as other questions arise. I
can tell you that during the past month, I have spent many hours
searching the web for answers to the many, many questions that came up
for me. And there is just so much info in the web related to using Linux.
Best,
John
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