I wrote this some time ago but can't find my file. Therefore, the experiences aren't as fresh in my mind as they were then, but it was earlier this month.

I've loved MS-DOS since I was a teenager. For perspective, I'm now forty. I've used various versions of Windows, and still use XP, 7, and 11, all with NVDA, as my primary systems. But every now and then, I've played with Linux to see if it would be a viable alternative for me, especially on an older, small system. This time, I tried three blind-specific versions and two mainstream releases. Only two worked well. All of these were tried on a Del Latitude 3120 running Windows 11, with VMware Workstation and Player 6. I used Mate whenever possible.

Slint: This was so difficult to install that I gave up. It would make sense if it were targeted to expert blind Linux users, but as anything for a general audience, or even those good with technology but not Linux, it's hopelessly complicated. I say this as a DOS user who is accustomed to commands. What on Earth were they thinking!

Accessible Coconut: This installed completely. However, all I could get it to do after that was to say "screen reader on". Nothing else worked, no matter what i did. It's also worth noting that there is no32-bit version.

Vinux: This one really surprised me. I ran it in the past with no problem, but here, I couldn't get it to install. I forget why. All I know is that I never even got to try it. Since I only attempted to install this with Workastation,I ay try with Player.

Trisquel: This installed and worked correctly. I don't remember why I switched. Perhaps, it was because my shared folders and thumb drive weren't being seen. However, I do highly recommend this if you can get it to work properly.

Debian: Again, this installed and worked correctly in both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions. It works on VMware Player 6 and Workstation 16. However, once again, my thumb drive and shared folders were not accessible, though I think I was able to have them listed some way.

My suspicion was that VMware Tools was not installed, and with a bit of research, I was proven correct. I tried installing Open VM Tools, using a dizzying array of commands, all to no avail. I eventually gave up, yet again. Maybe, I just need to take one of my computers and truly install Linux on it. I am strongly considering Debian, due to its long history, slow rate of change, and supportive community. It just frustrates me that I can't use it fully in a virtual machine, because I would like to learn it first and see if it is a good option for me. And for those who might say get a Mac, my answer is absolutely not. I tried it and didn't like it. If anyone can help me with Linux, please let me know.

#AccessibleCoconut #blind #computers #Debian #Linux #NVDA #Orca #Slint #Trisquel #Vinux #virtualmachines #VmWare #WindowsVista