The FAQ

[Janina Sajka]

You're missing my point. The issue is not "can it be done." The issue is
how easy is it using the canned install software of the various distros.
If the various distros will do this in a smart way, as a recent poster
suggests Debian does, then it argues for pushing the minimum system reqs
back. And, as Ann points out, that's very good because it includes more
people with more systems that are sitting around. But, if you have to be a
Matt Campbell to figure out how to put a working distro topgether in 95
megs, that's another story. Functionality is also important--you want to
have things you can do with the minimal system--and that doesn't mean "use
it as a router," not for the audience this FAQ addresses, imho.

 On Sun, 17
Jun 2001, Gregory Nowak wrote:

> Zipslack demonstrates that you can have
> a basic system running on 95 megs.
> Greg
>
>
> On Sun, Jun 17, 2001 at 04:18:04PM -0400, Ann Parsons wrote:
> > Hi all,
> >
> > First of all, I want to tell you all how much I appreciate all your
> > help.  You guys are great, and I really appreciate all your comments.
> >
> > Now, let me rebut some of this stuff.  From the discussion about the
> > different distros and the different ways to obtain good results, I
> > have concluded that the instructions on how to install Speakup do not
> > belong in the FAQ.  They belong in a full document of their own,
> > complete with full discussion of the exact commands relating to
> > synthes and distros and kernel versions.  This is a FAQ.  the answer
> > to the question about how to install Speakup should be as general as
> > possible and point to specific info in an additional document.  Note:
> > Janina, the reason that the install part of the FAQ seems to be skewed
> > toward Slackware is simply because that was the *only* specific
> > instructions I received.  Since I'm not a techie, I'm a writer, I work
> > with what I'm given.
> >
> > RE the beginning paragraph, yes, Janina, you are right on all counts,
> > and I will change it forthwith.
> >
> > RE the discussion on cursoring, yes, you're right there too.  I think
> > I'll just delete it.
> >
> > RE the discussion of Speakup and Emacspeak, notice I didn't say V.S.,
> > I liked your comments there too.    I shall incorporate them.
> >
> > RE the question about which versions of speakup work with which
> > kernels, I think that I will change 0.10 to 0.10A and say that those
> > who are using older kernel versions need to consult either the list or
> > blah, blah, docs which I hope are available.
> >
> > RE the bit about Linux and older systems, no, I disagree about leaving
> > this out.  Reason?  This is an issue close to my heart.  It is
> > precisely because Linux can run well on a 486, I have one upstairs,
> > that it is so valuable!  It is not difficult to get Linux to work on a
> > 486, especially if you use a distro that allows you to use the pkgs
> > you need instead of the pkgs that include X and so on.  Debian and
> > Slackware are particularly well suited to this type of customized
> > installation.  If there were a doc about which pkgs were actually
> > needed in order to run a decent system on a 486, that would be great.
> > Maybe I'll write one, after this here FAQ.  Do you guys remember when
> > you had a shell account that only had 20 megs in it?  You can run a
> > basic system in about 800 megs.  As for mp3's no, you may not have
> > room for MP3's but you can stream some of them.  If 30 gig hard drives
> > are down to $99, what are 2.5 ones going for, eh?
> >
> > Yes, the comment about if it runs on Windows OK, it will run on Linux
> > is apt.    I will include it.
> >
> > I think I've covered the water-front here.  If I haven't, just give me
> > a nudge and remind me.  I figured it would be easier to write one long
> > msg rather than try to answer everyone individually.  Again, thanks so
> > much for all your help.  I'm going to continue to need it if this docs
> > project is going to continue.
> >
> > Ann P.
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > 			Ann K. Parsons
> > email:  akp at eznet.net 			ICQ Number:  33006854
> > WEB SITE:  http://home.eznet.net/~akp
> > "All that is gold does not glitter.  Not all those who wander are lost."  JRRT
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Speakup mailing list
> > Speakup at braille.uwo.ca
> > http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
>
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