Re: [orca-list] questions re: ubuntu and/or debian, speech software, nautilus, and more

[Christopher Chaltain <chaltain gmail com>]

See some answers/comments below.

On 08/08/12 06:11, Jason Custer wrote:
> 2. After installing Ubuntu, the login screen spoke nicely, after
> pressing ctrl-S, but after updating, it spoke no more. I have read
> that others experience this problem and find the sound is muted. Can I
> unmute this via command line or something? I've tried modifying the
> /etc/pulse/default.pa and (system.pa?) files to set the volume and
> unmute the sink, but to no avail. I have no sighted assistance, my
> screen is busted on the laptop in question.

Are you sure your sound is muted as opposed to running into another
problem? Do you have any dedicated media keys on your laptop?

> 4. Using Ubuntu, how can I "see" what applications are available, and
> select one to run? For example, if I install an app, how can I find
> and start it without using alt-f2 and typing in the command? After
> all, this is supposed to be a graphical UI, right?

Try leaving the search field blank, arrowing down to the applications
button and pressing enter. Now expand the installed applications
sections and arrow around the grid.

> 5. Orca is dog slow when using Nautilus. It may not be Orca's fault, I
> don't know, but is there any way to pick up the pace, or a better file
> manager? I turned off all the things in prefferences, such as:
> thumbnails, counting items, etc.

Make sure the sidebar is disabled and use icon mode.

> 6. I have one program that requires windows, and I have to use this
> program, there is no other. Has wine gotten accessible yet? If not,
> which is more accessible, VirtualBox or VMWare Player, maybe something
> else?

I use VMware Player, and I find it completely accessible.

-- 
Christopher (CJ)
chaltain at Gmail