Hey Rich, I think that one of the best ways to innoculate the fairs of DR counselors is to point out that if Push comes to shuv, you can install a fully functional version of Windows on the Mac, with JAWS and everything. Point out that according to recent benchmarks, Windows runs even faster on Apple's machines. And you don't need virtualization to run both platforms.
Abdul -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Rich Caloggero Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 7:01 PM To: General discussions on all topics relating to the use of Mac OS X by the blind Subject: Re: Macs and a Viable Alternative for State Agencies to Consider A related question: can you use MS-Word, Blackboard, etc on Macs with Fusion or Parallels plus your favorite windows screen reader? I know some people on this list have investigated virtual solutions, but I'm still not sure exactly to what extent windows can be used in this environment. * Can one switch back and forth from Osx to windows easily? * Does windows and windows screen reader work as expected? * Does Word, Excel, and other office apps work this way? * Does IE and/or Firefox work? If yes to all of these, then I'd say that using a Mac for day-to-day college work might be possible, although getting a VM configured might be difficult for a non-computer geek type. Seems like it would help the Mac accessibility cause in general if state agencies would help fund Mac purchases. However, depending on a third party VM solution (which I'm sure isn't cheap if one were to buy the full product and not rely on the availability of a beta) doesn't seem like an option funders would embrace. Other opinions please. -- Rich ----- Original Message ----- From: "John Panarese" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "General discussions on all topics relating to the use of Mac OS X by theblind" <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2007 10:43 PM Subject: Re: Macs and a Viable Alternative for State Agencies to Consider > I believe the MS Word question is a no. I don't know about the other > apps, however. Remember that there are word processor programs that > can import and export into Word. Also, it's always possible that > there are alternatives to the other programs. Still, your overall > point is quite true, and other applications in specific environments > can be added to your list. > > Take Care > > John D. Panarese > Managing Director > Technologies for the Visually Impaired, Inc. > 9 Nolan Court > Hauppauge, NY 11788 > Tel/Fax, (631) 724-4479 > Email, [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Internet, http://www.tvi-web.com > > AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTORS FOR PORTSET SYSTEMS LTD, COMPSOLUTIONS VA, > PREMIER ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES, INDEX, PAPENMEIER, REPRO-TRONICS, > DUXBURY, SEROTEK AND OTHER PRODUCTS FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED > > AUTHORIZED APPLE BUSINESS AGENT > MAC VOICEOVER TRAINING > > > On Jun 19, 2007, at 8:37 PM, Harry/ Linda Bates wrote: > > > Does the mac work well with such applications as MS Word, Quick > > Book pro, and blackboard just to mention a few well used programs > > at colleges and universities? In other words is VoiceOver adept at > > using these programs, whereas I know the JAWS screen reader is. If > > so, this would be a real selling point for the mac. If not, then > > it still has limitations, which will still require a windows > > screenreader and operating system for the beginning and advanced > > students. I would really like to know the answers to these question. > > ----- Original Message ----- From: "John Panarese" > > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > To: "General discussions on all topics relating to the use of Mac > > OS X by theblind" <[email protected]> > > Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2007 4:56 PM > > Subject: Re: Macs and a Viable Alternative for State Agencies to > > Consider > > > > > >> It's interesting because as much as I readily admit I criticize > >> Microsoft, my background has primarily been Windows. I have been > >> around Macs for a good twenty plus years, but I didn't actually > >> use a Mac until VoiceOver. I never got the chance to try > >> Outspoken and could never get my state counsellor to approve it. > >> Thus, my Windows knowledge and skills are at the point in which I > >> have and still train people, and I still utilize it for smaller > >> things at this point. I, too, look forward to the day in which I > >> am Windows free in my personal life. However, from the > >> perspective of my business, I will continue to use Windows and I > >> surely would never desire MS to go away. Competition, folks, is > >> always a great thing and important motivator. Microsoft has > >> finally gotten it's lesson in recent years. > >> > >> Take Care > >> > >> John D. Panarese > >> Managing Director > >> Technologies for the Visually Impaired, Inc. > >> 9 Nolan Court > >> Hauppauge, NY 11788 > >> Tel/Fax, (631) 724-4479 > >> Email, [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >> Internet, http://www.tvi-web.com > >> > >> AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTORS FOR PORTSET SYSTEMS LTD, COMPSOLUTIONS VA, > >> PREMIER ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES, INDEX, PAPENMEIER, REPRO-TRONICS, > >> DUXBURY, SEROTEK AND OTHER PRODUCTS FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY > >> IMPAIRED > >> > >> AUTHORIZED APPLE BUSINESS AGENT > >> MAC VOICEOVER TRAINING > >> > >> > >> On Jun 19, 2007, at 4:44 PM, Richard Gardenhire wrote: > >> > >>> I use Windows (albeit rarely these days) for games and certain > >>> chat clients, as well as to listen to Freedombox audio content. > >>> That, having been said, I look forward to the day when I can use > >>> the Mac, solely for my business, as well as, recreational > >>> activities. That day, I believe, is getting closer. I was > >>> always taught, from the time I left Kansas, in 1970, till now, > >>> that I have to assess my needs and weigh them according to > >>> what's going to help me tap into the marketshare for my work, > >>> regardless of what I do. The Apple 2GS was the first computer I > >>> learned to use, in the 1980's, and I'm glad I came back to the > >>> operating system I love. However, I'm thankful for what litttle > >>> knowledge of Windows I do have, and am able to maintain. As > >>> they say in Kansas, "It ain't much, but it gets me to where I > >>> want to go." And to coin an old company phrase, used by AT&T, > >>> years ago, "We may be the only phone company in town, but we try > >>> not to act like it." Sure, I would love to get as many blind > >>> people on the "good foot," and join the Mac Revolution, but a > >>> reality check tells me there's a long way before we get to that > >>> point, and there's room at the proverbial table for everybody, > >>> regardless of their need. Using both my Mac machines, I feel > >>> quite comfortable, but sometimes I am willing to "step out of my > >>> comfort zone" if I have to, which I find rare, these days. > >>> Richie Gardenhire, Anchorage, Alaska. > >>> > >>> -- > >>> Email services by FreedomBox. Surf the Net at the sound of your > >>> voice. www.freedombox.info > >>> > > > > > > >
