Hey guyZ,
Speakup got a mention on the Linuxmall news page! Specifically,
Zipspeak. ... Great follow-up to last week's article on access to Linux by
blind folks. Here's the article:
Zip Up: New Linux Distribution Speaks to Users
By Michelle Head
Software designers are continuing to make breakthroughs in the
development of software for blind or visually impaired users. A
collaboration with Speakup screen reader enables Slackware's ZipSlack
Linux to talk its user through installation and startup without
sighted help--and the Blinux (Blind + Linux) subscriber list promptly
brought this new application to its target audience.
The standard version of ZipSpeak is available for download. Customized
versions are available on request from the developer, Matt Campbell.
ZipSpeak is a simplified mini-Slackware Linux system containing the
7.0 version of ZipSlack and the 0.08 version of the Speakup screen
reader. ZipSpeak contains a set of Linux kernels with Speakup built
in, one for each speech synthesizer. Since ZipSlack requires a minimal
amount of space, ZipSpeak can be installed on an existing MS-DOS or
Windows system.
Backing up, reformatting or repartitioning the hard disk for
installation of ZipSpeak is unneccesary since ZipSlack uses the UMSDOS
file system and already contains the programs it requires. This makes
ZipSpeak easy to install; sighted help is not necessary to install or
start up a talking system. Speech feedback guides the user through the
process.
When news of ZipSpeak hit the BLinux discussion list its users
immediately started asking for and offering help and advice about this
custom Linux distribution. Blinux-list, a subscriber list for blind
and visually impaired users found on the Blinux web site. One user
asked about the compatibility of components he already owned with
ZipSpeak other list subscribers answered him promptly, chipping in
with their experience.
Products like ZipSpeak--and the pipelines that support them--serve a
vital purpose in carrying new information to the blind and visually
impaired user community. In turn, the constant trouble-shooting and
exchange of ideas within these groups give developers a chance to know
exactly what their target audience wants and needs.
About the Author:
Michelle Head is an experienced author who decided to plunge into the
world of Linux journalism. Michelle is a new Linux enthusiast and is
excited about the Linux community. She welcomes feedback on her
articles and would love to hear ideas for future articles. She can be
reached at Michellh at LinuxMall.com.
Related Stories
Feeling Your Way Through Linux
References
Matt Campbell
ZipSpeak Download
Speakup
Blinux
ZipSlack
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