still more on bug

[Albert Sten-Clanton]

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 at braille.uwo.ca [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 at the-brannons.com>
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.


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