That's what I was thinking as well, but, if it works, it's worth it, and I
can use just my left hand although would not normally have done it.
Anyway, I can now access the menu structure, but for some reason, after
hitting ctrl + alt + del, it seems to also trigger sending keyboard commands
back to windows xp/jaws, and the task manager pops up as well, and now when
went back to vinux, it said the logout dialogue was not accessible, so just
closed it using the system menu of the VMPlayer again, but will play around
with it a bit now.
Thanks, and stay well
Jacob Kruger
Blind Biker
Skype: BlindZA
'...fate had broken his body, but not his spirit...'
----- Original Message -----
From: "Donald Marang" <donald.mar...@gmail.com>
To: <blind-computing@jaws-users.com>
Sent: Monday, May 04, 2009 11:34 PM
Subject: Re: [Blind-Computing] Microsoft Virtual PC software
For me, only the Left Alt seems to work for these keystrokes. A Little
more awkward since I normally press the right alt key with my right hand.
Now I have to press the left alt with my right hand. There is probably an
easier way.
Don Marang
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jacob Kruger" <jac...@iburst.co.za>
To: <blind-computing@jaws-users.com>
Sent: Monday, May 04, 2009 10:13 AM
Subject: Re: [Blind-Computing] Microsoft Virtual PC software
Ok.
Will try that one out firstly.
Like said, does seem to be that parts of the keyboard are in fact being
remapped or something anyway, but not sure yet.
Will it also make a difference if left/right alt key gets used?
I haven't gotten around to testing the MS virtual PC software too much
since will have to get a sighted person to look over my shoulder to try
something like installing other OSes, or will try installing Vinux from
it's live CD, but first wanted to just try out vinux in the first place -
one day - LOL!
To be honest though, and not sure how this would actually work in the
long run, but it does seem to interfere somewhat less with jaws and the
rest of my primary OS than VMWare, but, like said, let's first see what
happens when get going with it.
Thanks for info either way, and will let you know what happens
Jacob Kruger
Blind Biker
Skype: BlindZA
'...fate had broken his body, but not his spirit...'
----- Original Message -----
From: "Donald Marang" <donald.mar...@gmail.com>
To: <blind-computing@jaws-users.com>
Sent: Monday, May 04, 2009 3:15 PM
Subject: Re: [Blind-Computing] Microsoft Virtual PC software
Good afternoon Jacob (at least in your time zone),
Perhaps I made a typo, I have not scanned past messages. The proper key
to bring up the Vinux menu is Left Alt + F1! Sorry, if I wasted a lot
of your time. The Left Alt + F2 keystroke will certainly bring up a run
dialog, similar to the Windows + r in Windows. Of course, in Vinux,
you would need to type in a Linux command.
Back to the subject line. I had not realized that the Microsoft
emulator that you first discussed was a new product. I was too
concentrated on Vinux at the time. Some experts I follow say this
emulator is much better than VM-Ware or Parallels, which have been
around a long time. In fact, I hear Microsoft plans on making this
technology part of their legacy support for XP and prior versions in the
future. What is your impressions of it so far? Have you used it for any
other OS than Vinux?
Don Marang
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jacob Kruger" <jac...@iburst.co.za>
To: <blind-computing@jaws-users.com>
Sent: Monday, May 04, 2009 6:08 AM
Subject: Re: [Blind-Computing] Microsoft Virtual PC software
Ok.
Been trying out various things like leaving jaws on, or turning it off,
tried different keyboards like my external USB keyboard, and the
laptops own keyboard, and no matter what I do, like even tapping things
like the Ctrl key multiple times, all I get when I try either left or
right alt keys in conjunction with F2 is the run dialogue, and other
keys also seemt ot get stuck sometimes like a shift key, etc. etc.,
and, for example no matter what I do, I can't seem to type backslash,
since it renders as the number symbol, which doesn't even make sense
since if it was just the shift key being virtually stuck, it should
then render as |, so who knows.
Think this is also hence interfering with even accessing menus on
specific windows since can't seem to find a file menu, for example,
when browsing the home folder using Ctrl + Shift + H.
Will just again say that not too impressed with VMWare, but anyway.
Might have to try this on another computer to see if that makes a
difference, but let's see...
Stay well
Jacob Kruger
Blind Biker
Skype: BlindZA
'...fate had broken his body, but not his spirit...'
----- Original Message -----
From: "Donald Marang" <donald.mar...@gmail.com>
To: <blind-computing@jaws-users.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 03, 2009 8:14 PM
Subject: Re: [Blind-Computing] Microsoft Virtual PC software
Not quite sure why your keys are acting that way.
After activating any menu, I am able to use the standard arrow keys to
move up and down through menus and right arrow to enter a sub menu and
left menu to return from a sub menu. In the Vinux-desktop.txt file,
it claims that increasing the speed is bound to the Insert + right
arrow keys. It sounds like your Insert key is stuck! I have never
had that key stick. Perhaps it is because JAWS has been turned off?
That might change how the system handles the Insert key. I have not
had to turn off JAWS.
I assume that by the fact that you were able to login that you had
used the Control + g keystroke to allow all keys, including modifier
keys to be directed to VM-Ware Player. This should stop JAWS from
receiving these keystrokes or speaking. It should not be necessary to
quit JAWS.
Don Marang
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jacob Kruger" <jac...@iburst.co.za>
To: <blind-computing@jaws-users.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 03, 2009 3:37 AM
Subject: Re: [Blind-Computing] Microsoft Virtual PC software
Ok.
Now managed to log into VMWare machine using username/password
combination, so thanks for that one,
but I assume jaws is catching key combos so will try turning it off
or
something and will then see if can access something like the
Ubuntu/vinux
menu system.
Note:
Just turned off jaws, and using the left Alt key in conjunction with
F2, it seemed to activate the main part of the menu, but you seem to
have to use the numpad cursor keys to start navigating it since
normal cursor keys seem to be bound to orca settings like
faster/slower etc., and for some reason I can't get any submenu items
to appear, but will carry on playing around with it.
Also seem unable to do something like minimize/hide the orca settings
dialogue.
Stay well
Jacob Kruger
Blind Biker
Skype: BlindZA
'...fate had broken his body, but not his spirit...'
----- Original Message -----
From: "Donald Marang" <donald.mar...@gmail.com>
To: <blind-computing@jaws-users.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 02, 2009 10:33 AM
Subject: Re: [Blind-Computing] Microsoft Virtual PC software
For anyone using Vinux in an emulator and can get to the username
prompt:
The only account I am aware of in this distribution when first
starting is
"vinux" (all lowercase) for both the Username and Password. I just
tried
it twice. The first time it would give a beep when I typed each
character
and the second time it did not provide any feedback. Perhaps this
was
because I had Magic running the first time. By the way, There is a
big
Ubuntu spelled across the login screen.
Do not expect to hear the letters when entering either the Username
or
Password. The guy that packaged the Vinux distribution says there
is
currently no way around this limitation.
After a few seconds the Vinux desktop appears and Orca starts
speaking!
It is useful to know that the left Alt + F1 key takes you too the
Vinux
menus at the very top of the screen. It contains an Applications,
Places
and System menus. Programs like Open Office an Firefox can be
launched
from the Applications menu. I was disappointed that all of the
drives
that were mounted automatically and available in the Places menu
with the
Live CD were not configured here. Look in the Vinux folder for text
files
describing most of the key bindings. The System menu allows you to
set
preferences and shutdown.
The applications key, like in Windows, often provides useful
options.
I have trouble remembering that the Enter key on the keypad is not
the
same as the Return key on the main keyboard. The Enter key instead
announces where you are! Somewhat like a more verbose version of
the JAWS
+ Tab function.
With the VMWare Player I found the following:
1. When I first start the program I get a dialog telling me there
is an
update to VMWare Player. So far I have just pressed Tab to get to
the
Cancel button and activated it.
2. Then I get a dialog that does not work with the JAWS PC cursor.
It
lets you select a new file by browsing, picking a recently opened
file or
downloading a new distribution. I use the JAWS cursor to find Vinux
in
the recently opened section and clicking on it. I believe the first
time
I had to use the browse button. I may be able to create a shortcut
on my
desktop that passes the filename on the command line.
3. Then a dialog appears to explain how the hardware is shared
between
the emulator and Windows. So far I have just pressed Enter.
4. Vinux now starts booting in the window.
5. To turn control of the keyboard to Vinux (or any other operating
system in VMWare Player), press Control + g.
6. to switch back to windows, press Control + Alt together. This
is a
strange combination, since they both are just modifier keys. I
would
think that would limit any Control + Alt + any other key
combinations from
being used in Vinux. I have not seen any such combination needed
yet. I
have had a slight problem where either the Control or Alt key gets
stuck
after returning to Windows and JAWS. I normally press Escape
afterwards
to check if either key is stuck. If it is, I press the right
Control and
Alt keys again to release the stuck key.
Hope these tidbits help.
Don Marang
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jacob Kruger" <jac...@iburst.co.za>
To: <blind-computing@jaws-users.com>
Sent: Friday, May 01, 2009 5:49 PM
Subject: Re: [Blind-Computing] Microsoft Virtual PC software
Ok.
Downloaded it and tried it out, and it seems to work Ok, except
that
again, after I hear Orca saying I must enter a username and
password,
nothing seems to happen, but will test it a bit more, etc.
Also did stop jaws once I told it to start, but should maybe stop
it
before even trying to open it as well - will test it a bit more.
Stay well
Jacob Kruger
Blind Biker
Skype: BlindZA
'...fate had broken his body, but not his spirit...'
----- Original Message -----
From: "Donald Marang" <donald.mar...@gmail.com>
To: <blind-computing@jaws-users.com>
Sent: Friday, May 01, 2009 6:49 PM
Subject: Re: [Blind-Computing] Microsoft Virtual PC software
Hi Jacob,
Have you tried the virtual machine at the Vinux site? It is
called,
"Vinux_Virtual_Edition_1.4.exe" and is configured for Vinux. Read
the
accompanying text file for details. Go to the downloads page at:
http://vinux.org.uk/
Don Marang
PS I hear a new exciting distribution of Ubuntu, the Linux variant
on
which Vinux is based has just come out! It is Ubuntu 2.0. I have
heard
great things from several PC experts. I wonder if a Vinux 2.0
will be
available soon?
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jacob Kruger" <jac...@iburst.co.za>
To: <blind-computing@jaws-users.com>
Sent: Friday, May 01, 2009 7:07 AM
Subject: [Blind-Computing] Microsoft Virtual PC software
Has anyone tested MS's own VMWare product?
It's called Microsoft Virtual PC FWIW.
It's free, and the configuration wizard etc. seem pretty usable,
but
will
have to either try find a valid VPC image that's already had an
OS
installed, or maybe get a sighted person to try help me, for
example,
install something like Vinux, or an older MS Os so I can see if I
can,
for
example, try out their screenreader utilisation, but I think it
should
work
since in my first test run, I could tell it the new VPC I was
configuring
would think it had a sound blaster card etc.
Anyway, here's the details/download page:
http://www.microsoft.com:80/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=28C97D22-6EB8-4A09-A7F7-F6C7A1F000B5&displaylang=en
FWIW, once I start up my virtual pc machine, I do need to use the
jaws
cursor to get to some of the activity menus, but not really a
problem.
Ok, while typing this message, I realised I was being stoopid, so
I
started
the VPC, and told it to mount the Vinux live CD image and then
told it
to
restart/reboot, and it did seem to be virtually booting up from
the CD
image
since I heard the sound prompt to hit enter to make it start
running in
live
mode, so will have to test it a bit more - LOL!
For those who don't know, Vinux is a modified/tweaked version of
Ubuntu
linux that automatically makes things like the Orca screenreader
start,
and has also, apparently, had it's whole user interface tweaked
to suit
us better.
Stay well
Jacob Kruger
Blind Biker
Skype: BlindZA
'...fate had broken his body, but not his spirit...'
__________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of
virus
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database 4047 (20090430) __________
The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
http://www.eset.com
__________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of
virus
signature database 4047 (20090430) __________
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For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit:
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For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit:
http://www.jaws-users.com/help/
__________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus
signature database 4048 (20090501) __________
The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
http://www.eset.com
__________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus
signature database 4049 (20090501) __________
The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
http://www.eset.com
For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit:
http://www.jaws-users.com/help/
For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit:
http://www.jaws-users.com/help/
__________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus
signature database 4049 (20090501) __________
The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
http://www.eset.com
__________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus
signature database 4049 (20090501) __________
The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
http://www.eset.com
__________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus
signature database 4049 (20090501) __________
The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
http://www.eset.com
For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit:
http://www.jaws-users.com/help/
For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit:
http://www.jaws-users.com/help/
__________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus
signature database 4049 (20090501) __________
The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
http://www.eset.com
__________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus
signature database 4051 (20090504) __________
The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
http://www.eset.com
For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit:
http://www.jaws-users.com/help/
For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit:
http://www.jaws-users.com/help/
__________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus
signature database 4051 (20090504) __________
The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
http://www.eset.com
__________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus
signature database 4051 (20090504) __________
The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
http://www.eset.com
For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit:
http://www.jaws-users.com/help/
For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit:
http://www.jaws-users.com/help/
__________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus
signature database 4052 (20090504) __________
The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
http://www.eset.com
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database 4052 (20090504) __________
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http://www.eset.com
For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit:
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