Re: [Audyssey] Linux vs Windows was Windows 7
Hi Thomas. Thank you for this very well thought out response to my question, it pretty much agrees with everything I have heard and read up to this point. The good things you point out about linux are exactly what I would have thought as are the few limitations, and these limitations are the reason why I will keep a windows box around or do a dual boot system or something of the sort, I will figure that out later on. Based on what you have said I will definitely be downloading Ubuntu8.0 to at the very least play with on my secondary system and see how it goes. In the meantime I agree with your later post that this is starting to stray rather far afield from gaming so I will not pursue this thread any further on this list because I am sure there are folks who read this that are not interested in this topic. If anyone wants to discuss this further feel free to drop me a note offlist. Best regards, Tom -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Thomas Ward Sent: Sunday, August 17, 2008 6:43 PM To: Gamers Discussion list Subject: [Audyssey] Linux vs Windows was Windows 7 Hi Tom, Well, Linux is definitely at the point that a blind user could technically adopt it as his or her only operating system. I generally use Ubuntu Linux 8.04 much more than Windows Vista or XP these days. Thanks to major accessibility improvements to the graphical Gnome desktop environment over the passed five years there is quite a growing number of Windows-like applications available to a blind Linux user such as: a MS Office clone called Open Office, a MS Outlook clone called Evolution, Mozilla Firefox 3.0, a notepad clone called gedit, a Winzip clone called File-Roller, etc. However, like a lot of blind Linux users I do keep a Windows computer on hand for a few apps that I can't either get for Linux or the Windows applications are just nicer to use. For example, Linux doesn't really currently offer a really good OCR package. There are a few OCR programs such as tesserad-ocr which works, but Openbook 8 blows it away in scanning clarity, with its scan and read features, etc. On a low budget PC something like Tesserad-ocr and a Linux compatible scanner will work. However, Openbook is certainly prefered if you have the money to spend for it. Since I already own a license for Openbook 8 I don't have any problems keeping a Windows work station around for scanning materials. Another application I use on Windows is Sony Soundforge 9. While there is a pretty decent sound editor for Linux, Audacity, it isn't Soundforge quality. As agame designer and musician I want the best and most accessible sound editing software possible. So that expensive software alone is one reason I keep Windows around rather than using a Linux alternative at this time. Finally, there is the issue of accessible gaming. Most of the new games coming out are Windows only such as the Kitchens Inc games, GMA Games, Shades of Doom, etc. That puts a Linux user in the position of trying to get wine, the Windows emulator, to run them, use avirtual machine, or keepp a Windows box around for gaming. That isn't to say gaming on Linux is non-existant. Most of the Adrift 4.0 games can be played with scare 3.9 and later. They are fairly accessible, and many Linux gaming hours have been spent playing The PK Girl and other Adrift games. Also there is a Linux port of fritz. Once you apt-get it from the Ubuntu update service you can play the inform interactive fiction games. So between scare and fritz that gives a Linux user several text adventures to play. The latest release of gnome-mud seams to be quite accessible and user friendly. You can play Diskworld, Alter Eon, Miriani, or any other mud using gnome-mud. Then, there is your web based games like Sryth. I've found it tricky to play using Firefox for Linux, but can be done. I haven't tried other games besides Sryth, but generally if they work with Firefox for Windows you can play them in Firefox for Linux too. As you might have read I am rewriting all of my games with a new multiplatform engine so I can enjoy them on a Mac, Linux, or Windows PC. I've come to relise that far too many developers are so dependant on Windows only technologies most don't even know how to break loose from it and take a wider view of the computing world. Microsoft, the evil empire, while not a monopoly per say, still holds a solid 80% of the software market. That is too bad, because for ablind user Mac OS and Linux are a much cheaper alternative. Since the screen readers come built into the operating systems that is $300 per year you could save instead of paying for a yearly SMA on your Windows screen reader. The office software I use, Open Office 2.4 for Linux, came pre-installed with Ubuntu 8. It can import and export Word and Excel files, and cost me nothing to own. That is sure better than paying $450 USD for MS Office 2007 Pro. That again is money I
Re: [Audyssey] Linux vs Windows was Windows 7
Hi, Yes, Ubuntu 8 is all free and open source software. However, if you want some high quality speech engines such as Eloquence, Cepstral, Dectalk those you have to pay for, but the os and most applications out there for it are free. Now, we really should get back to game related topics. If you have questions you can always email me at [EMAIL PROTECTED] and i will try and answer back as soonas possible. Also the Orca web site: http://live.gnome.org/Orca should be your first stopping point to get the latest info on Linux accessibility. constantine (on laptop) wrote: > Hi there > > Do you have to buy ubuntu? Or is it open-source, and burnable to a cd? > > thanks. Btw, I'm running a 1.3 ghz, AMD Duron, 256 mb ram for my desktop--It > even has USB 1 ports! imagine! > > > Have a good day from Tyler C. Wood! > --- Gamers mailing list __ Gamers@audyssey.org If you want to leave the list, send E-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] You can make changes or update your subscription via the web, at http://audyssey.org/mailman/listinfo/gamers_audyssey.org. All messages are archived and can be searched and read at http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you have any questions or concerns regarding the management of the list, please send E-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Audyssey] Linux vs Windows was Windows 7
A 695mb download. I got it to work, kind of. But I don't think my copy of it is working like it's supposed to. My installation got messed up, for example. But, then again, I installed it on an old hard drive for which the bios in that compac pops up a screen occasionally after I hit the power button stating that the drive has a failure iminent, press f1 to continue. - Original Message - From: "constantine (on laptop)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Gamers Discussion list" Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 1:26 AM Subject: Re: [Audyssey] Linux vs Windows was Windows 7 > Hi there > > Do you have to buy ubuntu? Or is it open-source, and burnable to a cd? > > thanks. Btw, I'm running a 1.3 ghz, AMD Duron, 256 mb ram for my > desktop--It > even has USB 1 ports! imagine! > > > Have a good day from Tyler C. Wood! > > contact details: > > email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > msn: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > skype: the_conman283 > > system details: > Hp pavillion dv5220CA notebook pc > AMD Turion(tm) 64 Mobile Technology ML-37 2.0 GHZ, 1024 mb DDR ram, > Fujitsu > 100 gb 4500 RPM Hard Drive, connecsant AC-link audio > - Original Message - > From: "Thomas Ward" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: "Gamers Discussion list" > Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 12:08 PM > Subject: Re: [Audyssey] Linux vs Windows was Windows 7 > > >> Hi Josh, >> Gnome 2.20 and Orca 2.20 ship with Ubuntu 8.04 out of the box. There is >> no need to grab Gnome independantly. In fact, if you want to try Linux >> before installing it Ubuntu8.04 comes on a bootible cd which you place >> in your cd drive, reboot your system, and if you press enter on the >> first two screens it will boot directly to a minimal Gnome desktop. It >> is just one more step to do alt+f2 and type orca, followed by enter. >> Answer Orcas questions do an alt+control+backspace wait for the little >> drumb beat, press enter, and you have a fully functional, and talking >> Gnome desktop. Of course, if you want to add applications such as >> gnome-mud to play muds then you have to install the os to get upgrades, >> get better system performence, add applications, get mp3, wma, >> quicktime, and other plugins to your installation. >> Now, I have to agree hear that Linux's screen reader Orca is much better >> with playing muds than Apple's VoiceOver for one very important reason. >> Orca is written in pure Python 2.5, and because it is based on a >> scripting language you can write custom scripts for gnome-mud to read >> out text areas in gnome-mud which you can't do in VoiceOver. Orca's >> scripting capabilities really makes it as powerful as Jaws in that >> respect because if you have the scripting know-how you can make Orca do >> a lot of things VoiceOver on Mac can only dream about at this time. Also >> Orca has a review cursor, similar to Jaws's invisible cursor, that >> allows you to move around the screen and find out what is happening in >> your mud. VoiceOver's lack of an invisible/review cursor seriously makes >> it less than ideal when playing muds and even interactive fiction games >> on a Mac. >> In fact, I seriously looked at buying a Mac this passed winter, but in >> the end I decided to buy a Compaq 500 series notebook that I recently >> put Ubuntu 8.04 on. The main reason I chose Linux over the Mac is that >> Orca's scripting abilities and added review functionality in many >> respects makes it the better screen reader, and while I liked VoiceOver >> it has some catching up to do. Also Orca has a special formatting mode I >> can turn on that tells me specifically how my Java source code is >> aligned, and I can easily identify what level of a block statement I am >> in without having to use a braille display. Few screen readers offers as >> detailed virble feedback on the formatting of C, C++, Python, and Java >> source code as Orca does. >> Cheers. >> >> >> Orin wrote: >>> Hmm. It's too bad Macs don't have a mud client that reads automaticly >>> yet. >>> Then again, I guess Linux is the better OS here again in terms of the >>> screen >>> reader because it's been worked on even before VoiceOver even existed. I >>> do >>> suppose with each OS release VO is getting better but I think it'll be a >>> long way from Orca and such. Also, I wonder how with VMware Fusion how >>> to >>> install Linux. I'm seriously thinking of trying it out, thing is I just >>> want >>> linux, and there's so much packages available. I
Re: [Audyssey] Linux vs Windows was Windows 7
TYlor, Go to www.ubuntu.com. it's a downloadable iso image, completely free. Aiden - Original Message - From: "constantine (on laptop)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Gamers Discussion list" Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 6:26 AM Subject: Re: [Audyssey] Linux vs Windows was Windows 7 > Hi there > > Do you have to buy ubuntu? Or is it open-source, and burnable to a cd? > > thanks. Btw, I'm running a 1.3 ghz, AMD Duron, 256 mb ram for my > desktop--It > even has USB 1 ports! imagine! > > > Have a good day from Tyler C. Wood! > > contact details: > > email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > msn: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > skype: the_conman283 > > system details: > Hp pavillion dv5220CA notebook pc > AMD Turion(tm) 64 Mobile Technology ML-37 2.0 GHZ, 1024 mb DDR ram, > Fujitsu > 100 gb 4500 RPM Hard Drive, connecsant AC-link audio > - Original Message - > From: "Thomas Ward" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: "Gamers Discussion list" > Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 12:08 PM > Subject: Re: [Audyssey] Linux vs Windows was Windows 7 > > >> Hi Josh, >> Gnome 2.20 and Orca 2.20 ship with Ubuntu 8.04 out of the box. There is >> no need to grab Gnome independantly. In fact, if you want to try Linux >> before installing it Ubuntu8.04 comes on a bootible cd which you place >> in your cd drive, reboot your system, and if you press enter on the >> first two screens it will boot directly to a minimal Gnome desktop. It >> is just one more step to do alt+f2 and type orca, followed by enter. >> Answer Orcas questions do an alt+control+backspace wait for the little >> drumb beat, press enter, and you have a fully functional, and talking >> Gnome desktop. Of course, if you want to add applications such as >> gnome-mud to play muds then you have to install the os to get upgrades, >> get better system performence, add applications, get mp3, wma, >> quicktime, and other plugins to your installation. >> Now, I have to agree hear that Linux's screen reader Orca is much better >> with playing muds than Apple's VoiceOver for one very important reason. >> Orca is written in pure Python 2.5, and because it is based on a >> scripting language you can write custom scripts for gnome-mud to read >> out text areas in gnome-mud which you can't do in VoiceOver. Orca's >> scripting capabilities really makes it as powerful as Jaws in that >> respect because if you have the scripting know-how you can make Orca do >> a lot of things VoiceOver on Mac can only dream about at this time. Also >> Orca has a review cursor, similar to Jaws's invisible cursor, that >> allows you to move around the screen and find out what is happening in >> your mud. VoiceOver's lack of an invisible/review cursor seriously makes >> it less than ideal when playing muds and even interactive fiction games >> on a Mac. >> In fact, I seriously looked at buying a Mac this passed winter, but in >> the end I decided to buy a Compaq 500 series notebook that I recently >> put Ubuntu 8.04 on. The main reason I chose Linux over the Mac is that >> Orca's scripting abilities and added review functionality in many >> respects makes it the better screen reader, and while I liked VoiceOver >> it has some catching up to do. Also Orca has a special formatting mode I >> can turn on that tells me specifically how my Java source code is >> aligned, and I can easily identify what level of a block statement I am >> in without having to use a braille display. Few screen readers offers as >> detailed virble feedback on the formatting of C, C++, Python, and Java >> source code as Orca does. >> Cheers. >> >> >> Orin wrote: >>> Hmm. It's too bad Macs don't have a mud client that reads automaticly >>> yet. >>> Then again, I guess Linux is the better OS here again in terms of the >>> screen >>> reader because it's been worked on even before VoiceOver even existed. I >>> do >>> suppose with each OS release VO is getting better but I think it'll be a >>> long way from Orca and such. Also, I wonder how with VMware Fusion how >>> to >>> install Linux. I'm seriously thinking of trying it out, thing is I just >>> want >>> linux, and there's so much packages available. I just wish there was a >>> self >>> installer that'd just install the gnome thing and be done with it. >>> >> >> >> --- >> Gamers mailing list __ Gamers@audyssey.org >> If you want to leave the list, send E-mail to >> [EM
Re: [Audyssey] Linux vs Windows was Windows 7
Hi there Do you have to buy ubuntu? Or is it open-source, and burnable to a cd? thanks. Btw, I'm running a 1.3 ghz, AMD Duron, 256 mb ram for my desktop--It even has USB 1 ports! imagine! Have a good day from Tyler C. Wood! contact details: email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] msn: [EMAIL PROTECTED] skype: the_conman283 system details: Hp pavillion dv5220CA notebook pc AMD Turion(tm) 64 Mobile Technology ML-37 2.0 GHZ, 1024 mb DDR ram, Fujitsu 100 gb 4500 RPM Hard Drive, connecsant AC-link audio - Original Message - From: "Thomas Ward" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Gamers Discussion list" Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 12:08 PM Subject: Re: [Audyssey] Linux vs Windows was Windows 7 > Hi Josh, > Gnome 2.20 and Orca 2.20 ship with Ubuntu 8.04 out of the box. There is > no need to grab Gnome independantly. In fact, if you want to try Linux > before installing it Ubuntu8.04 comes on a bootible cd which you place > in your cd drive, reboot your system, and if you press enter on the > first two screens it will boot directly to a minimal Gnome desktop. It > is just one more step to do alt+f2 and type orca, followed by enter. > Answer Orcas questions do an alt+control+backspace wait for the little > drumb beat, press enter, and you have a fully functional, and talking > Gnome desktop. Of course, if you want to add applications such as > gnome-mud to play muds then you have to install the os to get upgrades, > get better system performence, add applications, get mp3, wma, > quicktime, and other plugins to your installation. > Now, I have to agree hear that Linux's screen reader Orca is much better > with playing muds than Apple's VoiceOver for one very important reason. > Orca is written in pure Python 2.5, and because it is based on a > scripting language you can write custom scripts for gnome-mud to read > out text areas in gnome-mud which you can't do in VoiceOver. Orca's > scripting capabilities really makes it as powerful as Jaws in that > respect because if you have the scripting know-how you can make Orca do > a lot of things VoiceOver on Mac can only dream about at this time. Also > Orca has a review cursor, similar to Jaws's invisible cursor, that > allows you to move around the screen and find out what is happening in > your mud. VoiceOver's lack of an invisible/review cursor seriously makes > it less than ideal when playing muds and even interactive fiction games > on a Mac. > In fact, I seriously looked at buying a Mac this passed winter, but in > the end I decided to buy a Compaq 500 series notebook that I recently > put Ubuntu 8.04 on. The main reason I chose Linux over the Mac is that > Orca's scripting abilities and added review functionality in many > respects makes it the better screen reader, and while I liked VoiceOver > it has some catching up to do. Also Orca has a special formatting mode I > can turn on that tells me specifically how my Java source code is > aligned, and I can easily identify what level of a block statement I am > in without having to use a braille display. Few screen readers offers as > detailed virble feedback on the formatting of C, C++, Python, and Java > source code as Orca does. > Cheers. > > > Orin wrote: >> Hmm. It's too bad Macs don't have a mud client that reads automaticly >> yet. >> Then again, I guess Linux is the better OS here again in terms of the >> screen >> reader because it's been worked on even before VoiceOver even existed. I >> do >> suppose with each OS release VO is getting better but I think it'll be a >> long way from Orca and such. Also, I wonder how with VMware Fusion how to >> install Linux. I'm seriously thinking of trying it out, thing is I just >> want >> linux, and there's so much packages available. I just wish there was a >> self >> installer that'd just install the gnome thing and be done with it. >> > > > --- > Gamers mailing list __ Gamers@audyssey.org > If you want to leave the list, send E-mail to > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > You can make changes or update your subscription via the web, at > http://audyssey.org/mailman/listinfo/gamers_audyssey.org. > All messages are archived and can be searched and read at > http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] > If you have any questions or concerns regarding the management of the > list, > please send E-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG. > Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.6.5/1619 - Release Date: 8/18/2008 > 5:39 PM > > > --- Gamers mailing list __ Gamers@audyssey.org If you want to leave the list, send E-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] You can make changes or update your subscription via the web, at http://audyssey.org/mailman/listinfo/gamers_audyssey.org. All messages are archived and can be searched and read at http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you have any questions or concerns regarding the management of the list, please send E-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Audyssey] Linux vs Windows was Windows 7
I have a copy of office 2003. You can have the assistant not install as well as some of the more bad features, but you are right on later versions. At 02:30 a.m. 19/08/2008, you wrote: >Hi Shaun, >The thing is I had the 60 day trial of MS Office 2007, and I personally >thought it sucked. I can't stand the new menu strip thing they added to >replace the standard menu bar. Not only that MS has been adding a lot of >junk to Office for the last 10 years like the not so friendly Office >Assistant that loves to pop up and get in your way. I always have to >kill that thing before using Word, Excel, and Acccess. >The thing I like about Open Office and Sun Star Office is they are >compatible with MS Office documents, but come with all the good features >of the MS Offfice package, and leaves out the unnecessary garbage like >MS Offfice Asssistant to name one. >Oh, and did I mention that Sun Star Offfice is written in Java, and it >can be installed and run on any OS that has a Java runtime and the Java >Access Bridge. Mac OS comes with the Java access bridge pre-installed, >the bridge can be compiled and installed on Ubuntu, and Windows and Jaws >work with Star Offfice so it is not a bad option if you want to get away >from MS Offfice. > >On Mon, 2008-08-18 at 19:07 +1200, shaun everiss wrote: >> I have ms office. >> I used to use it in tech. >> However most stuff is now all opensource, in programming class I used >> devpascan and freepascal 2 opensource things, I don't think they would mind >> if I showed up with openoffice. > > > >--- >Gamers mailing list __ Gamers@audyssey.org >If you want to leave the list, send E-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] >You can make changes or update your subscription via the web, at >http://audyssey.org/mailman/listinfo/gamers_audyssey.org. >All messages are archived and can be searched and read at >http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] >If you have any questions or concerns regarding the management of the list, >please send E-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- Gamers mailing list __ Gamers@audyssey.org If you want to leave the list, send E-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] You can make changes or update your subscription via the web, at http://audyssey.org/mailman/listinfo/gamers_audyssey.org. All messages are archived and can be searched and read at http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you have any questions or concerns regarding the management of the list, please send E-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Audyssey] Linux vs Windows was Windows 7
Hi Josh, Gnome 2.20 and Orca 2.20 ship with Ubuntu 8.04 out of the box. There is no need to grab Gnome independantly. In fact, if you want to try Linux before installing it Ubuntu8.04 comes on a bootible cd which you place in your cd drive, reboot your system, and if you press enter on the first two screens it will boot directly to a minimal Gnome desktop. It is just one more step to do alt+f2 and type orca, followed by enter. Answer Orcas questions do an alt+control+backspace wait for the little drumb beat, press enter, and you have a fully functional, and talking Gnome desktop. Of course, if you want to add applications such as gnome-mud to play muds then you have to install the os to get upgrades, get better system performence, add applications, get mp3, wma, quicktime, and other plugins to your installation. Now, I have to agree hear that Linux's screen reader Orca is much better with playing muds than Apple's VoiceOver for one very important reason. Orca is written in pure Python 2.5, and because it is based on a scripting language you can write custom scripts for gnome-mud to read out text areas in gnome-mud which you can't do in VoiceOver. Orca's scripting capabilities really makes it as powerful as Jaws in that respect because if you have the scripting know-how you can make Orca do a lot of things VoiceOver on Mac can only dream about at this time. Also Orca has a review cursor, similar to Jaws's invisible cursor, that allows you to move around the screen and find out what is happening in your mud. VoiceOver's lack of an invisible/review cursor seriously makes it less than ideal when playing muds and even interactive fiction games on a Mac. In fact, I seriously looked at buying a Mac this passed winter, but in the end I decided to buy a Compaq 500 series notebook that I recently put Ubuntu 8.04 on. The main reason I chose Linux over the Mac is that Orca's scripting abilities and added review functionality in many respects makes it the better screen reader, and while I liked VoiceOver it has some catching up to do. Also Orca has a special formatting mode I can turn on that tells me specifically how my Java source code is aligned, and I can easily identify what level of a block statement I am in without having to use a braille display. Few screen readers offers as detailed virble feedback on the formatting of C, C++, Python, and Java source code as Orca does. Cheers. Orin wrote: > Hmm. It's too bad Macs don't have a mud client that reads automaticly yet. > Then again, I guess Linux is the better OS here again in terms of the screen > reader because it's been worked on even before VoiceOver even existed. I do > suppose with each OS release VO is getting better but I think it'll be a > long way from Orca and such. Also, I wonder how with VMware Fusion how to > install Linux. I'm seriously thinking of trying it out, thing is I just want > linux, and there's so much packages available. I just wish there was a self > installer that'd just install the gnome thing and be done with it. > --- Gamers mailing list __ Gamers@audyssey.org If you want to leave the list, send E-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] You can make changes or update your subscription via the web, at http://audyssey.org/mailman/listinfo/gamers_audyssey.org. All messages are archived and can be searched and read at http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you have any questions or concerns regarding the management of the list, please send E-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Audyssey] Linux vs Windows was Windows 7
Hmm. It's too bad Macs don't have a mud client that reads automaticly yet. Then again, I guess Linux is the better OS here again in terms of the screen reader because it's been worked on even before VoiceOver even existed. I do suppose with each OS release VO is getting better but I think it'll be a long way from Orca and such. Also, I wonder how with VMware Fusion how to install Linux. I'm seriously thinking of trying it out, thing is I just want linux, and there's so much packages available. I just wish there was a self installer that'd just install the gnome thing and be done with it. - Original Message - From: "constantine (on laptop)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Gamers Discussion list" Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 1:48 AM Subject: Re: [Audyssey] Linux vs Windows was Windows 7 > I'm running xp pro on all my machines. If I ever get a sony vaio, it won't > have vista- I hate it. I only wonder how much longer sony will be > providing > drivers for xp, sigh. I'd love to run Ubuntu on this HP laptop, I just > don't > know if I'll be able to get drivers for it- better yet, run it on an older > desktop I have. I agree with you about the motherboard, that's dumb- buy a > new license? No way! And Microsoft office- I don't even have it hear. > People > are telling me get ms office! at school. I tell them to give me 400 > dollars > and I will. I hardly use excel, power point and whatnot. I'm proficient > enough with them, so why bother buying something I'll never use when > they're > is a free alternitive? In terms of games, I only mud, it would have been > neat to see VMud go to linux. > > > > > > Have a good day from Tyler C. Wood! > > contact details: > > email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > msn: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > skype: the_conman283 > > system details: > Hp pavillion dv5220CA notebook pc > AMD Turion(tm) 64 Mobile Technology ML-37 2.0 GHZ, 1024 mb DDR ram, > Fujitsu > 100 gb 4500 RPM Hard Drive, connecsant AC-link audio > - Original Message - > From: "Thomas Ward" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: "Gamers Discussion list" > Sent: Sunday, August 17, 2008 7:43 PM > Subject: [Audyssey] Linux vs Windows was Windows 7 > > >> Hi Tom, >> Well, Linux is definitely at the point that a blind user could >> technically adopt it as his or her only operating system. I generally >> use Ubuntu Linux 8.04 much more than Windows Vista or XP these days. >> Thanks to major accessibility improvements to the graphical Gnome >> desktop environment over the passed five years there is quite a growing >> number of Windows-like applications available to a blind Linux user such >> as: a MS Office clone called Open Office, a MS Outlook clone called >> Evolution, Mozilla Firefox 3.0, a notepad clone called gedit, a Winzip >> clone called File-Roller, etc. >> However, like a lot of blind Linux users I do keep a Windows computer on >> hand for a few apps that I can't either get for Linux or the Windows >> applications are just nicer to use. For example, Linux doesn't really >> currently offer a really good OCR package. There are a few OCR programs >> such as tesserad-ocr which works, but Openbook 8 blows it away in >> scanning clarity, with its scan and read features, etc. On a low budget >> PC something like Tesserad-ocr and a Linux compatible scanner will work. >> However, Openbook is certainly prefered if you have the money to spend >> for it. Since I already own a license for Openbook 8 I don't have any >> problems keeping a Windows work station around for scanning materials. >> Another application I use on Windows is Sony Soundforge 9. While there >> is a pretty decent sound editor for Linux, Audacity, it isn't Soundforge >> quality. As agame designer and musician I want the best and most >> accessible sound editing software possible. So that expensive software >> alone is one reason I keep Windows around rather than using a Linux >> alternative at this time. >> Finally, there is the issue of accessible gaming. Most of the new games >> coming out are Windows only such as the Kitchens Inc games, GMA Games, >> Shades of Doom, etc. That puts a Linux user in the position of trying to >> get wine, the Windows emulator, to run them, use avirtual machine, or >> keepp a Windows box around for gaming. That isn't to say gaming on Linux >> is non-existant. >> Most of the Adrift 4.0 games can be played with scare 3.9 and later. >> They are fairly accessible, and many Linux gaming hours have been spent >> playing The PK Girl and other Adr
Re: [Audyssey] Linux vs Windows was Windows 7
Hi Shaun, The thing is I had the 60 day trial of MS Office 2007, and I personally thought it sucked. I can't stand the new menu strip thing they added to replace the standard menu bar. Not only that MS has been adding a lot of junk to Office for the last 10 years like the not so friendly Office Assistant that loves to pop up and get in your way. I always have to kill that thing before using Word, Excel, and Acccess. The thing I like about Open Office and Sun Star Office is they are compatible with MS Office documents, but come with all the good features of the MS Offfice package, and leaves out the unnecessary garbage like MS Offfice Asssistant to name one. Oh, and did I mention that Sun Star Offfice is written in Java, and it can be installed and run on any OS that has a Java runtime and the Java Access Bridge. Mac OS comes with the Java access bridge pre-installed, the bridge can be compiled and installed on Ubuntu, and Windows and Jaws work with Star Offfice so it is not a bad option if you want to get away from MS Offfice. On Mon, 2008-08-18 at 19:07 +1200, shaun everiss wrote: > I have ms office. > I used to use it in tech. > However most stuff is now all opensource, in programming class I used > devpascan and freepascal 2 opensource things, I don't think they would mind > if I showed up with openoffice. --- Gamers mailing list __ Gamers@audyssey.org If you want to leave the list, send E-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] You can make changes or update your subscription via the web, at http://audyssey.org/mailman/listinfo/gamers_audyssey.org. All messages are archived and can be searched and read at http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you have any questions or concerns regarding the management of the list, please send E-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Audyssey] Linux vs Windows was Windows 7
Hi Tyler, Well, the best way to know if your HP works with Linux is to grab the Ubuntu 8.04 cd and boot into live mode. Live mode allows you to run a minimal Linux os off the cd which allows yyou to test the os with your hardware, recover files, and so on. Obviously, it runs much slower in live mode than an actual install, but I use that feature a lot when evaluating what hardware works, needs drivers, and trouble shooting any possible issues before I run an install. Generally, Compaq, HP, and Del computers do well with Ubuntu. As far as your computer being an older machine as long as it was made in the last 5 years or so Ubuntu should run fine on it. Linux is not a resource hog like Vista. The Linux system I am running right now is a 1.2 GHZ Intel Pentium, with 512 MB of ram, and a 80 GB hard drive. Not enough power to run Vista well, but Ubuntu took to it like a duck in water. In other words it works fine. On Sun, 2008-08-17 at 23:48 -0600, constantine (on laptop) wrote: > I'm running xp pro on all my machines. If I ever get a sony vaio, it won't > have vista- I hate it. I only wonder how much longer sony will be providing > drivers for xp, sigh. I'd love to run Ubuntu on this HP laptop, I just don't > know if I'll be able to get drivers for it- better yet, run it on an older > desktop I have. I agree with you about the motherboard, that's dumb- buy a > new license? No way! And Microsoft office- I don't even have it hear. People > are telling me get ms office! at school. I tell them to give me 400 dollars > and I will. I hardly use excel, power point and whatnot. I'm proficient > enough with them, so why bother buying something I'll never use when they're > is a free alternitive? In terms of games, I only mud, it would have been > neat to see VMud go to linux. > > > > > > Have a good day from Tyler C. Wood! --- Gamers mailing list __ Gamers@audyssey.org If you want to leave the list, send E-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] You can make changes or update your subscription via the web, at http://audyssey.org/mailman/listinfo/gamers_audyssey.org. All messages are archived and can be searched and read at http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you have any questions or concerns regarding the management of the list, please send E-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Audyssey] Linux vs Windows was Windows 7
I have ms office. I used to use it in tech. However most stuff is now all opensource, in programming class I used devpascan and freepascal 2 opensource things, I don't think they would mind if I showed up with openoffice. At 05:48 p.m. 18/08/2008, you wrote: >I'm running xp pro on all my machines. If I ever get a sony vaio, it won't >have vista- I hate it. I only wonder how much longer sony will be providing >drivers for xp, sigh. I'd love to run Ubuntu on this HP laptop, I just don't >know if I'll be able to get drivers for it- better yet, run it on an older >desktop I have. I agree with you about the motherboard, that's dumb- buy a >new license? No way! And Microsoft office- I don't even have it hear. People >are telling me get ms office! at school. I tell them to give me 400 dollars >and I will. I hardly use excel, power point and whatnot. I'm proficient >enough with them, so why bother buying something I'll never use when they're >is a free alternitive? In terms of games, I only mud, it would have been >neat to see VMud go to linux. > > > > > >Have a good day from Tyler C. Wood! > >contact details: > >email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >msn: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >skype: the_conman283 > >system details: >Hp pavillion dv5220CA notebook pc >AMD Turion(tm) 64 Mobile Technology ML-37 2.0 GHZ, 1024 mb DDR ram, Fujitsu >100 gb 4500 RPM Hard Drive, connecsant AC-link audio >- Original Message ----- >From: "Thomas Ward" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: "Gamers Discussion list" >Sent: Sunday, August 17, 2008 7:43 PM >Subject: [Audyssey] Linux vs Windows was Windows 7 > > >> Hi Tom, >> Well, Linux is definitely at the point that a blind user could >> technically adopt it as his or her only operating system. I generally >> use Ubuntu Linux 8.04 much more than Windows Vista or XP these days. >> Thanks to major accessibility improvements to the graphical Gnome >> desktop environment over the passed five years there is quite a growing >> number of Windows-like applications available to a blind Linux user such >> as: a MS Office clone called Open Office, a MS Outlook clone called >> Evolution, Mozilla Firefox 3.0, a notepad clone called gedit, a Winzip >> clone called File-Roller, etc. >> However, like a lot of blind Linux users I do keep a Windows computer on >> hand for a few apps that I can't either get for Linux or the Windows >> applications are just nicer to use. For example, Linux doesn't really >> currently offer a really good OCR package. There are a few OCR programs >> such as tesserad-ocr which works, but Openbook 8 blows it away in >> scanning clarity, with its scan and read features, etc. On a low budget >> PC something like Tesserad-ocr and a Linux compatible scanner will work. >> However, Openbook is certainly prefered if you have the money to spend >> for it. Since I already own a license for Openbook 8 I don't have any >> problems keeping a Windows work station around for scanning materials. >> Another application I use on Windows is Sony Soundforge 9. While there >> is a pretty decent sound editor for Linux, Audacity, it isn't Soundforge >> quality. As agame designer and musician I want the best and most >> accessible sound editing software possible. So that expensive software >> alone is one reason I keep Windows around rather than using a Linux >> alternative at this time. >> Finally, there is the issue of accessible gaming. Most of the new games >> coming out are Windows only such as the Kitchens Inc games, GMA Games, >> Shades of Doom, etc. That puts a Linux user in the position of trying to >> get wine, the Windows emulator, to run them, use avirtual machine, or >> keepp a Windows box around for gaming. That isn't to say gaming on Linux >> is non-existant. >> Most of the Adrift 4.0 games can be played with scare 3.9 and later. >> They are fairly accessible, and many Linux gaming hours have been spent >> playing The PK Girl and other Adrift games. >> Also there is a Linux port of fritz. Once you apt-get it from the Ubuntu >> update service you can play the inform interactive fiction games. So >> between scare and fritz that gives a Linux user several text adventures >> to play. >> The latest release of gnome-mud seams to be quite accessible and user >> friendly. You can play Diskworld, Alter Eon, Miriani, or any other mud >> using gnome-mud. >> Then, there is your web based games like Sryth. I've found it tricky to >> play using Firefox for Linux, but can be done. I haven't tried other >> games besides Sryth, but g
Re: [Audyssey] Linux vs Windows was Windows 7
I'm running xp pro on all my machines. If I ever get a sony vaio, it won't have vista- I hate it. I only wonder how much longer sony will be providing drivers for xp, sigh. I'd love to run Ubuntu on this HP laptop, I just don't know if I'll be able to get drivers for it- better yet, run it on an older desktop I have. I agree with you about the motherboard, that's dumb- buy a new license? No way! And Microsoft office- I don't even have it hear. People are telling me get ms office! at school. I tell them to give me 400 dollars and I will. I hardly use excel, power point and whatnot. I'm proficient enough with them, so why bother buying something I'll never use when they're is a free alternitive? In terms of games, I only mud, it would have been neat to see VMud go to linux. Have a good day from Tyler C. Wood! contact details: email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] msn: [EMAIL PROTECTED] skype: the_conman283 system details: Hp pavillion dv5220CA notebook pc AMD Turion(tm) 64 Mobile Technology ML-37 2.0 GHZ, 1024 mb DDR ram, Fujitsu 100 gb 4500 RPM Hard Drive, connecsant AC-link audio - Original Message - From: "Thomas Ward" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Gamers Discussion list" Sent: Sunday, August 17, 2008 7:43 PM Subject: [Audyssey] Linux vs Windows was Windows 7 > Hi Tom, > Well, Linux is definitely at the point that a blind user could > technically adopt it as his or her only operating system. I generally > use Ubuntu Linux 8.04 much more than Windows Vista or XP these days. > Thanks to major accessibility improvements to the graphical Gnome > desktop environment over the passed five years there is quite a growing > number of Windows-like applications available to a blind Linux user such > as: a MS Office clone called Open Office, a MS Outlook clone called > Evolution, Mozilla Firefox 3.0, a notepad clone called gedit, a Winzip > clone called File-Roller, etc. > However, like a lot of blind Linux users I do keep a Windows computer on > hand for a few apps that I can't either get for Linux or the Windows > applications are just nicer to use. For example, Linux doesn't really > currently offer a really good OCR package. There are a few OCR programs > such as tesserad-ocr which works, but Openbook 8 blows it away in > scanning clarity, with its scan and read features, etc. On a low budget > PC something like Tesserad-ocr and a Linux compatible scanner will work. > However, Openbook is certainly prefered if you have the money to spend > for it. Since I already own a license for Openbook 8 I don't have any > problems keeping a Windows work station around for scanning materials. > Another application I use on Windows is Sony Soundforge 9. While there > is a pretty decent sound editor for Linux, Audacity, it isn't Soundforge > quality. As agame designer and musician I want the best and most > accessible sound editing software possible. So that expensive software > alone is one reason I keep Windows around rather than using a Linux > alternative at this time. > Finally, there is the issue of accessible gaming. Most of the new games > coming out are Windows only such as the Kitchens Inc games, GMA Games, > Shades of Doom, etc. That puts a Linux user in the position of trying to > get wine, the Windows emulator, to run them, use avirtual machine, or > keepp a Windows box around for gaming. That isn't to say gaming on Linux > is non-existant. > Most of the Adrift 4.0 games can be played with scare 3.9 and later. > They are fairly accessible, and many Linux gaming hours have been spent > playing The PK Girl and other Adrift games. > Also there is a Linux port of fritz. Once you apt-get it from the Ubuntu > update service you can play the inform interactive fiction games. So > between scare and fritz that gives a Linux user several text adventures > to play. > The latest release of gnome-mud seams to be quite accessible and user > friendly. You can play Diskworld, Alter Eon, Miriani, or any other mud > using gnome-mud. > Then, there is your web based games like Sryth. I've found it tricky to > play using Firefox for Linux, but can be done. I haven't tried other > games besides Sryth, but generally if they work with Firefox for Windows > you can play them in Firefox for Linux too. > As you might have read I am rewriting all of my games with a new > multiplatform engine so I can enjoy them on a Mac, Linux, or Windows PC. > I've come to relise that far too many developers are so dependant on > Windows only technologies most don't even know how to break loose from > it and take a wider view of the computing world. Microsoft, the evil > empire, while not a monopoly per say, still holds a solid 80% of the > software market. That is t
[Audyssey] Linux vs Windows was Windows 7
Hi Tom, Well, Linux is definitely at the point that a blind user could technically adopt it as his or her only operating system. I generally use Ubuntu Linux 8.04 much more than Windows Vista or XP these days. Thanks to major accessibility improvements to the graphical Gnome desktop environment over the passed five years there is quite a growing number of Windows-like applications available to a blind Linux user such as: a MS Office clone called Open Office, a MS Outlook clone called Evolution, Mozilla Firefox 3.0, a notepad clone called gedit, a Winzip clone called File-Roller, etc. However, like a lot of blind Linux users I do keep a Windows computer on hand for a few apps that I can't either get for Linux or the Windows applications are just nicer to use. For example, Linux doesn't really currently offer a really good OCR package. There are a few OCR programs such as tesserad-ocr which works, but Openbook 8 blows it away in scanning clarity, with its scan and read features, etc. On a low budget PC something like Tesserad-ocr and a Linux compatible scanner will work. However, Openbook is certainly prefered if you have the money to spend for it. Since I already own a license for Openbook 8 I don't have any problems keeping a Windows work station around for scanning materials. Another application I use on Windows is Sony Soundforge 9. While there is a pretty decent sound editor for Linux, Audacity, it isn't Soundforge quality. As agame designer and musician I want the best and most accessible sound editing software possible. So that expensive software alone is one reason I keep Windows around rather than using a Linux alternative at this time. Finally, there is the issue of accessible gaming. Most of the new games coming out are Windows only such as the Kitchens Inc games, GMA Games, Shades of Doom, etc. That puts a Linux user in the position of trying to get wine, the Windows emulator, to run them, use avirtual machine, or keepp a Windows box around for gaming. That isn't to say gaming on Linux is non-existant. Most of the Adrift 4.0 games can be played with scare 3.9 and later. They are fairly accessible, and many Linux gaming hours have been spent playing The PK Girl and other Adrift games. Also there is a Linux port of fritz. Once you apt-get it from the Ubuntu update service you can play the inform interactive fiction games. So between scare and fritz that gives a Linux user several text adventures to play. The latest release of gnome-mud seams to be quite accessible and user friendly. You can play Diskworld, Alter Eon, Miriani, or any other mud using gnome-mud. Then, there is your web based games like Sryth. I've found it tricky to play using Firefox for Linux, but can be done. I haven't tried other games besides Sryth, but generally if they work with Firefox for Windows you can play them in Firefox for Linux too. As you might have read I am rewriting all of my games with a new multiplatform engine so I can enjoy them on a Mac, Linux, or Windows PC. I've come to relise that far too many developers are so dependant on Windows only technologies most don't even know how to break loose from it and take a wider view of the computing world. Microsoft, the evil empire, while not a monopoly per say, still holds a solid 80% of the software market. That is too bad, because for ablind user Mac OS and Linux are a much cheaper alternative. Since the screen readers come built into the operating systems that is $300 per year you could save instead of paying for a yearly SMA on your Windows screen reader. The office software I use, Open Office 2.4 for Linux, came pre-installed with Ubuntu 8. It can import and export Word and Excel files, and cost me nothing to own. That is sure better than paying $450 USD for MS Office 2007 Pro. That again is money I could spend on other things. Over the passed year after seeing how much money I was personally spending to keep my Windows computers operating, and getting stuck with lots of anti-piracy restrictions on top of it. Especially, when my motherboard failed, and Microsoft told me point blank to buy a new copy of Vista I said, "to heck with that crap." I legally paid for that software, but because Vista's anti-piracy software saw the new hardware installed it told me I was pirating it, and that wasn't true. In the end Microsoft believed their software instead of me. So for me using Linux is my choice to get away from all that corperate mentality that everyone has millions of bucks to blow, that the software has to come with lots of anti-piricy protection, and to top it of when Vista was first released it didn't even have a complete driver library and bugs up the rear. So I feel why pay x money when there is an os that has better stability, reasonable accessibility, and most of the programs I need are for free. In fact, this message was written in Evolution for Linux. Tom Randoll Wrote: > Hey thanks for this Thomas, this ought to be handy as I am considering > setting up my
