Category: Geeks r Us
I'm wanting to redo my computer, as in switch OS and things, but there are a couple things I need to know.
First off I'm wanting to replace windows with linux. So what would be the most flexible, and adaptived of the linux systems?
Second, can I get it to work with screen readers such as jaws?
If you have to ask the second question your not ready for linux, stick with windows.
Yes I have to ask, because I'm not sure what would actually work on any of the systems.
well, what i know about linux accessibility--or the OS in general--would be hard pressed to fill even Paris Hilton's febal mind, but I can't help wondering if names like jaws for WINDOWS!!! and WINDOW!!!eyes mean something?
No windows applications will work on linux. Linux is an entirely different OS, which means it operates under entirely different prodicol than windows. Just like mac applications only work for mac, and windows versions of the same programs must be developed, so too does linux or any other operating system.
I'd recommend sticking with windows unless you have a spare computer to just play on. The accessibility in ubuntu is the best, but it isn't perfect by any means. Since i'm sure it would be your first time messing with linux, you'll be spending three days alone configuring the OS, making sure drivers work (if they are even supported,) ETC.
Cold Shadow reading any linux faq, or newbie documentation would answer your questions. This is why I want to use openBsd for all my messing around, because it's an operating system and user community that doesn't help you unless you try to help your self a lot before asking questions. There for the people who use it are actually compitent computer users.
Cold Shadow, if you don't understand the difference between windows and linux apps and why one only works on one operating system you are in no way rady to switch from Windows (and I do not mean that offensively), linux is totally different from Windows, no good screen reading solutions have been developed yet although there are a few half baked ones out there. For stability just stick with XP, I'm hoping a workable Linux accessibility solution is not too far off but I have no indication one is imminent.
to The Roman Battle Mask, about Open BSD, what accessibility is there for it, and how good is it in comparison to ubuntu or a mac?
For X-windows accessibility forget it. There are ports of flite, emacspeak, and eflite though.
while I see the binifits of Linux and bsd, and while there is a huge speed difference between that type of OS and windows. it's still a highly geek operating system. Meaning it's not going to be sold out at your local computer store, if they even have it. Speakup's come along way, but unless computers and commandlines give you a raging hard on stick with windows.
dawson, I partially agree with your statement, but Linux can be controled remotely using Webmin, unsure what distros can use it and which ones can't, and yes, you do have to do most of the setup over ssh on command line, but once its done, you can use Webmin to do most linux administration using either IE or Firefox in Windows.
Why do we have to criticize someone because they don't know about Linux. Yes, as stated above me, you cannot run windows programs on a unix based platforms. However, I suggest reading up on what Linux is and what it is not, then read up on the orca, screen reader found at the Orca homepage and see what you've been missing. But first I recommend reading my article on Linux accessibility I just posted here, then doing your research. I can give you some helpful links to start your reading..
Cody
Because people are idiots who won't do any leg work for them selves, and expect everything to be handed to them on a platter. I can understand questions about linux accessibility but there's plenty of basic introductions to linux out there which they should have taken the time to read.
linux rocks
I just hate the vi editor grrr. Its so weird to just navigate, insert a line, move around manipulating one's docs... anyone recommend a more streamlined editor?