linux and accessibility applications

[Rejean Proulx]

Tom, I thought that was well said.  I suspect that most sighted Linux users
use X windows.  I really don't need X windows to maintain my Server so I am
not that interested in it, however, if I was going to do work processing,
email or internet surfing, then I want a windows like interface.  Such
interfaces tend to combine many tiny commands in 1 process exempting us from
having to learn every little detail about a system.  Most of us don't have
time for that.  I tend to use things that most sighted people use if I can
because, it is easier to get upgrades and they come faster.  You can get
help more easily and interact with your peers or co-workers.  The Linux
shell has, can, does, and will serve blind people well for a while yet, but
I hope the attitude is not that we stop here, because if that is the case
then by all means flame.

I am happy to use both types of operating systems for their respective
strengths.  If I convert to using Linux completely then it must has Windows
like accessible support.  There are some who claim that I don't know the
Shell well.  That is true,. and it will stay that way.  In this business,
you learn what you need when you need it, otherwise you become a nervous
wreck.  There is too much to know.

I won't respond to every flame.  I don't have time for that, it it wouldn't
be constructive.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tom and Esther Ward" <tward1978 at earthlink.net>
To: <Kwatson at smed.yi.org>; "Speakup is a screen review system for Linux."
<speakup at braille.uwo.ca>
Sent: Saturday, March 27, 2004 11:50 AM
Subject: Re: linux and accessibility applications


Hi, Keith.
I think for most Windows users coming over to Linux it comes down to
familiarity. You must remember not every computer user is a power user, and
could care less about having control over every little detail about the
environment. Further more since the move from dos to Windows the large
majority of the blind comunity has grown quite fond of check boxes, dialog
boxes, ok buttons, radio buttons, and the like. Weather members of this list
or anyone on other blind Linux mailing lists hates the GUI interface it's
not going to change public opinion in the blind comunity, nor is it going to
stop the sighted world from continuing to design stuff for graphical
environments.
This entire thread was started because lynx and links is far behind in
javascript technology where graphical browsers like netscape, mozilla,
opera, etc all have good javascript support.
Now, if the GUI in linux which you condemned were as accessible as it is in
MS Windows then the subject of an accessible javascript compatible  browser
would be mute.


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