John, now much sight, if any, would you think is needed to build a PC with serial ports? Not a direct respons to you, but I suspect that, if a majroity of blind folks using Linux do indeed express a degree of satisfation iwhth software speech, it could gbe because they're stuck with it, much as most blind people use Windows because, as somebody said to me, "you can't fight the giant." Software speech does have its advantages, perhaps portability being the most notable one I can think of, but, for those who like to know hwat's kicking in as booting progresses, there's nothing like using Speakup with a hardware synthesizer. (Indeed, this is a key difference between using Speakup and a hardware synthesizer and dealing with a Windows machine--or DOS in the old days.) For those who would say either write the relevant code or shut the hell up, I'd say this: if ordinary users don't count, then we can forget Linux ever even remotely approaching Windows or any other much-uused operating system in popularity. As a believer in freedom, I would regard it as an undermining of Linux' S mission to declare that only the elite among us have any business declaring--commanding--our destiny. (Even Microshaft doesn't do that, I think.) I appreciate your own efforts, so wish to be clear that the comments in the previous paragraph are aimed at a perspective that, as far as I can tell, does not seem to be yours at this pioint. As a user who is unlikely to master the relevant code, I do not wish to be relegated to the status of one who must accept whatever the alleged majority wishes to inflict and the programmers wish to comply with. I will reluctantly but dutifully crawl back to Windows, or find something else, if software freedom is not accompanied with top-notch software quality, or if we mere user mortals are commanded to take what we're given or wear muzzles. Al -----Original Message----- From: speakup-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:speakup-bounces at braille.uwo.ca] On Behalf Of John Heim Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 5:53 PM To: Speakup is a screen review system for Linux. Subject: Re: still more on bug From: "Deedra Waters" <deedra@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> To: "Speakup is a screen review system for Linux." <speakup at braille.uwo.ca> Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 6:34 PM > > I'm saying i know several who have worked on speakup over the years > and the folks who've maintained it lately can't fix it/haven't been > able to is probably the better wording here. As for me, no i'm no > coder at all but saying i'd be willing to work on it if i could code > my way out of a wet paper bag. > Well, don't be so negative, okay? First of all, the current group of developers are smart guys. I'm not saying they'll have it tomorrow but they may get around to it eventually. And if not, I'm sure someone will pick up the ball. Heck, it might even be me. > maybe you should tell del to start advertising the models with serial > ports?:P point is like i said the machines i've gotten which are > generally the shitmachines as i > call dells haven't had them:P It might be a good idea for you to ask on this list for recommendations next time you need to buy a new PC. Its not difficult to get a PC with a serial port. Another suggestion I have is to check used computer stores. You might be able to find a slightly older high-end model for cheap there. Of course, there is also the option of building your own PC. I built my last two PCs myself. Admittedly, that is not for the faint of heart. _______________________________________________ Speakup mailing list Speakup at braille.uwo.ca http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
