[nfbcs] Information on Ubuntu Orca and Braille support

[John J. Boyer]

I would recommend installing vinux 4.0. It is Ubuntu with special 
features for blind or low-vision people. It will recognize a 
USB-connected Braille display on boot-up. It also has the latest Orca 
screenreader. Go to http://www.vinuxproject.com .

John
On Tue, Aug 06, 2013 at 06:54:24AM -0500, Mike Jolls wrote:
> I recently resurrected an old PC that has Ubuntu 8.04 loaded on it.  My objective is to see if I can use this as a notetaker and connect a USB Braille display such as Focus 40 Blue to it for a less expensive alternative to purchasing something like a traditional Apex or BrailleNote notetaker.  I'm hoping that I can use the Open Office software that comes with the Ubuntu release and the accessibility features such as the Braille TTY terminal software to allow normal notaking activities and pair it with a Braille display for a workable solution to word processing, email, etc.  I don't know anything at all about Unix/Linux at this point which I understand is what Ubuntu is based on, so I'm sort of in the dark as to where to start doing research to see if my goal is attainable or if I'm going down a bunny trail that leads to a dead-end.
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> Does anybody have any experience doing a project such as this?  What do you need to learn and in what order?  And how good is the Braille support under Ubuntu/Orca/BrailleTTY?  Or am I just going down a dead-end?  I understand this version of Ubuntu (8.04) supports the Focus 40 Blue and the Pacmate 40 cell display .. I already have the Pacmate display but I intend on purchasing a Focus 40 blue unit.  If I abandon this project, then i'm looking at additionally spending money on a new laptop and a Windows 8 copy of Jaws.  As I say, I'm trying to accomplish my goal and save some money in the balance.
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>  Any experience that anybody can offer would be appreciated.
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-- 
John J. Boyer; President, Chief Software Developer
Abilitiessoft, Inc.
http://www.abilitiessoft.com
Madison, Wisconsin USA
Developing software for people with disabilities