Hi,
I am new to this mailinglist and new to Linux. I have been using Windows for
years but now I want to switch into a free open source software Linux
environment. After quite a while of research, I am finding plenty of general
information on Distros by sighted Linux users, but not a lot of current info
from blind Linux users. So I'm sending this in hopes to get some input from any
blind Linux users, as to what you might suggest as an accessible Distro for a
beginner, especially if it is something other than standard Ubuntu.
I am particularly interested in Slint, Parabola, Devuan, or Trisquel. I know
Slint was created for blind Linux users so I assume that it must be quite
accessible, but I don't know if it is intended more for advanced users, or if
any of you started out with Slint as a beginner? I am interested in the other
Distros I listed, but I don't know how accessible they are. Do any of you know
if those Distros have Orca speaking during the installation?
Do any of you have experience with Slint, Parabola, Devuan, or Trisquel? Would
you recommend either of them as a start out Distro for a beginner? Or do you
use a different Distro that you could suggest?
I know that picking a Distro is a personal choice and apparently Distros can
have varying degrees of accessibility features according to how they are
configured. But my understanding is that some Distros are more accessible out
of the box so to speak than others.
I know that standard Ubuntu is often recommended for beginners for its ease of
use, at least, it seems to be a popular recommendation amongst sighted Linux
users, I don't know if that is also the case with blind Linux users. I respect
those who prefer Ubuntu, however, I am not comfortable with the corporate
connection to Canonical. I am only interested in Distros with a strong focus on
freedom of open source software with no corporate affiliations.
I am looking for a simplistic and streamline Distro.
All I want is a Distro that will run Firefox, LibreOffice, Python 3, a text
editor, and a file manager. If I can find a Distro that will run those things
and is at least somewhat beginner friendly, I'll be set.
I'll be keeping my Windows laptop and buying a separate laptop with hardware
that is compatible with whatever Distro I choose, so that I can switch over to
Linux incrementally at my pace. So I am not interested in dual boot or VM. I am
determined to learn Linux, even if the first Distro doesn't work out so well
for me, then I will try another one. So to me, it is worth having a dedicated
laptop.
I've been in contact with a laptop organization specializing in Linux
compatible hardware setups, and they will install a Distro of my choice, making
sure the accessibility features are enabled. I can learn how to do
installations independently once I gain the experience and skills over time.
But for now I just want to start somewhere, with something that is as
accessible as possible out of the box and they can install it for me the first
time around.
From what I have read online, there is often a steep learning curve when
adjusting from a Windows environment to a Linux environment. Whereas Windows
just comes with most software preconfigured out of the box, Linux is
customizable so some beginners can have a hard time adjusting to it. So I am
not expecting Linux to just instantly work one hundred percent seamlessly,
especially when adding accessibility features into the equation. There will
probably be some challenges along the way. But it seems that some Distros are
more streamline, minimalistic, and beginner friendly than others. I just don't
want to unknowingly pick the most daunting Distro that Linux has to offer lol.
I want something where the installation package and boot process is
accessible so that when I patch it in the future, or ever need to do a
reinstall, I will be able to do that independently.
I want something where Orca speaks consistently in essential apps like Firefox,
and also has good braille output as I will eventually connect it to a braille
display at some point.
Do any of you use Slint, Parabola, Devuan, or Trisquel?
Perhaps you prefer other Distros that I havn't heard of yet. I am open to all
suggestions for anything other than standard Ubuntu.
Thanks in advance for any info you could share with a beginner looking for a
Distro with an accessible install and boot process.
Regards,
SL
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