#windowsalternative — Public Fediverse posts

Zorin OS 18.1 makes switching from Windows to Linux much easier

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://nerds.xyz/2026/04/zorin-os-18-1/

Zorin OS 18.1 makes switching from Windows to Linux much easier

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://nerds.xyz/2026/04/zorin-os-18-1/

🚀 ReactOS: Misja budowy wolnego systemu operacyjnego trwa!

Czy wiedzieliście, że istnieje projekt, który od zera buduje system operacyjny w 100% kompatybilny z architekturą NT (Windows), ale bez ani jednej linii kodu od Microsoftu? To ReactOS!

🕰️ Jak to się zaczęło? (Geneza)

Wszystko ruszyło w 1996 roku jako projekt „FreeWin95”
👉 Sprawdź szczegóły: reactos.org
Pobierz: https://sourceforge.net/projects/reactos/files/
#ReactOS #OpenSource #SoftwareEngineering #TechHistory #OperatingSystems #WindowsAlternative

Linux Mint's Position as a Windows Alternative Reassessed

Linux Mint was a top choice for Windows users. Now, new options are here. See if Linux Mint is still the best for you.

#LinuxMint, #WindowsAlternative, #TechNews, #OperatingSystem, #ComputerTips

https://newsletter.tf/linux-mint-windows-alternative-reassessed/

Linux Mint's Position as a Windows Alternative Reassessed

Linux Mint was a top choice for Windows users. Now, new options are here. See if Linux Mint is still the best for you.

#LinuxMint, #WindowsAlternative, #TechNews, #OperatingSystem, #ComputerTips

https://newsletter.tf/linux-mint-windows-alternative-reassessed/

Linux Mint has long been a popular choice for people wanting to switch from Windows. But some new computer programs are now seen as better choices. This report looks at if Linux Mint is still the top pick.

#LinuxMint, #WindowsAlternative, #TechNews, #OperatingSystem, #ComputerTips

https://newsletter.tf/linux-mint-windows-alternative-reassessed/

Linux Mint has long been a popular choice for people wanting to switch from Windows. But some new computer programs are now seen as better choices. This report looks at if Linux Mint is still the top pick.

#LinuxMint, #WindowsAlternative, #TechNews, #OperatingSystem, #ComputerTips

https://newsletter.tf/linux-mint-windows-alternative-reassessed/

Ah yes, #ReactOS, the eternal "Windows alternative" that somehow celebrates 30 years of... daring to exist. 🎉 A project so successful, even your grandma's XP machine runs circles around it. 🖥️
https://reactos.org/blogs/30yrs-of-ros/ #30thAnniversary #WindowsAlternative #TechHistory #OpenSource #GrandmaApproved #HackerNews #ngated

Ah yes, #ReactOS, the eternal "Windows alternative" that somehow celebrates 30 years of... daring to exist. 🎉 A project so successful, even your grandma's XP machine runs circles around it. 🖥️
https://reactos.org/blogs/30yrs-of-ros/ #30thAnniversary #WindowsAlternative #TechHistory #OpenSource #GrandmaApproved #HackerNews #ngated

Ah yes, #ReactOS, the eternal "Windows alternative" that somehow celebrates 30 years of... daring to exist. 🎉 A project so successful, even your grandma's XP machine runs circles around it. 🖥️
https://reactos.org/blogs/30yrs-of-ros/ #30thAnniversary #WindowsAlternative #TechHistory #OpenSource #GrandmaApproved #HackerNews #ngated

Ah yes, #ReactOS, the eternal "Windows alternative" that somehow celebrates 30 years of... daring to exist. 🎉 A project so successful, even your grandma's XP machine runs circles around it. 🖥️
https://reactos.org/blogs/30yrs-of-ros/ #30thAnniversary #WindowsAlternative #TechHistory #OpenSource #GrandmaApproved #HackerNews #ngated

Linux Mint statt Windows – kreativ ohne Abo! —> https://blog-demokratie.de/linux-mint-teil-5-foto-grafik-video-multimedia-ohne-windows/
Ein Beitrag von Werner Hoffmann

Fotos bearbeiten, Videos schneiden, Audio aufnehmen – alles ohne Windows und ohne teure Abos.
Linux Mint ist heute eine echte Alternative zu Adobe & Co.: stabil, kostenlos und alltagstauglich.
Ideal für Creator, Vereine und Selbstständige.

#LinuxMint #OpenSource #Kreativsoftware #WindowsAlternative #DigitaleSouveraenitaet

Linux Mint statt Windows – kreativ ohne Abo! —> https://blog-demokratie.de/linux-mint-teil-5-foto-grafik-video-multimedia-ohne-windows/
Ein Beitrag von Werner Hoffmann

Fotos bearbeiten, Videos schneiden, Audio aufnehmen – alles ohne Windows und ohne teure Abos.
Linux Mint ist heute eine echte Alternative zu Adobe & Co.: stabil, kostenlos und alltagstauglich.
Ideal für Creator, Vereine und Selbstständige.

#LinuxMint #OpenSource #Kreativsoftware #WindowsAlternative #DigitaleSouveraenitaet

Linux Mint statt Windows – kreativ ohne Abo! —> https://blog-demokratie.de/linux-mint-teil-5-foto-grafik-video-multimedia-ohne-windows/
Ein Beitrag von Werner Hoffmann

Fotos bearbeiten, Videos schneiden, Audio aufnehmen – alles ohne Windows und ohne teure Abos.
Linux Mint ist heute eine echte Alternative zu Adobe & Co.: stabil, kostenlos und alltagstauglich.
Ideal für Creator, Vereine und Selbstständige.

#LinuxMint #OpenSource #Kreativsoftware #WindowsAlternative #DigitaleSouveraenitaet

Linux Mint statt Windows – kreativ ohne Abo! —> https://blog-demokratie.de/linux-mint-teil-5-foto-grafik-video-multimedia-ohne-windows/
Ein Beitrag von Werner Hoffmann

Fotos bearbeiten, Videos schneiden, Audio aufnehmen – alles ohne Windows und ohne teure Abos.
Linux Mint ist heute eine echte Alternative zu Adobe & Co.: stabil, kostenlos und alltagstauglich.
Ideal für Creator, Vereine und Selbstständige.

#LinuxMint #OpenSource #Kreativsoftware #WindowsAlternative #DigitaleSouveraenitaet

Linux Mint statt Windows – kreativ ohne Abo! —> https://blog-demokratie.de/linux-mint-teil-5-foto-grafik-video-multimedia-ohne-windows/
Ein Beitrag von Werner Hoffmann

Fotos bearbeiten, Videos schneiden, Audio aufnehmen – alles ohne Windows und ohne teure Abos.
Linux Mint ist heute eine echte Alternative zu Adobe & Co.: stabil, kostenlos und alltagstauglich.
Ideal für Creator, Vereine und Selbstständige.

#LinuxMint #OpenSource #Kreativsoftware #WindowsAlternative #DigitaleSouveraenitaet

Linux Mint statt Windows – kreativ ohne Abo! —> https://blog-demokratie.de/
Ein Beitrag von Werner Hoffmann

Fotos bearbeiten, Videos schneiden, Audio aufnehmen – alles ohne Windows und ohne teure Abos.
Linux Mint ist heute eine echte Alternative zu Adobe & Co.: stabil, kostenlos und alltagstauglich.
Ideal für Creator, Vereine und Selbstständige.

#LinuxMint #OpenSource #Kreativsoftware #WindowsAlternative #DigitaleSouveraenitaet

Linux Mint statt Windows – kreativ ohne Abo! —> https://blog-demokratie.de/
Ein Beitrag von Werner Hoffmann

Fotos bearbeiten, Videos schneiden, Audio aufnehmen – alles ohne Windows und ohne teure Abos.
Linux Mint ist heute eine echte Alternative zu Adobe & Co.: stabil, kostenlos und alltagstauglich.
Ideal für Creator, Vereine und Selbstständige.

#LinuxMint #OpenSource #Kreativsoftware #WindowsAlternative #DigitaleSouveraenitaet

Linux Mint statt Windows – kreativ ohne Abo! —> https://blog-demokratie.de/
Ein Beitrag von Werner Hoffmann

Fotos bearbeiten, Videos schneiden, Audio aufnehmen – alles ohne Windows und ohne teure Abos.
Linux Mint ist heute eine echte Alternative zu Adobe & Co.: stabil, kostenlos und alltagstauglich.
Ideal für Creator, Vereine und Selbstständige.

#LinuxMint #OpenSource #Kreativsoftware #WindowsAlternative #DigitaleSouveraenitaet

Linux MINT statt Windows – es geht längst ohne Abstriche —> https://blog-demokratie.de/linux-mint-teil-4-alternative-windowsprogramme-buero-internet-verwaltung/
Ein Beitrag von Werner Hoffmann

Linux Mint eine vollwertige Alternative zu Windows – im Büro, E-Mail, Internet, in der Buchhaltung und sogar bei KI-Anwendungen.

In Teil 4 der Serie zeige ich:
Office-Programme statt Microsoft Office,
Outlook-Alternativen für E-Mail & Kalender,
Steuer Buchführung ,
lokale, Alternativen zu ChatGPT.

#LinuxMint #OpenSource #WindowsAlternative #DigitaleSouveraenitaet #FreieSoftware

Linux MINT statt Windows – es geht längst ohne Abstriche —> https://blog-demokratie.de/linux-mint-teil-4-alternative-windowsprogramme-buero-internet-verwaltung/
Ein Beitrag von Werner Hoffmann

Linux Mint eine vollwertige Alternative zu Windows – im Büro, E-Mail, Internet, in der Buchhaltung und sogar bei KI-Anwendungen.

In Teil 4 der Serie zeige ich:
Office-Programme statt Microsoft Office,
Outlook-Alternativen für E-Mail & Kalender,
Steuer Buchführung ,
lokale, Alternativen zu ChatGPT.

#LinuxMint #OpenSource #WindowsAlternative #DigitaleSouveraenitaet #FreieSoftware

Linux MINT statt Windows – es geht längst ohne Abstriche —> https://blog-demokratie.de/linux-mint-teil-4-alternative-windowsprogramme-buero-internet-verwaltung/
Ein Beitrag von Werner Hoffmann

Linux Mint eine vollwertige Alternative zu Windows – im Büro, E-Mail, Internet, in der Buchhaltung und sogar bei KI-Anwendungen.

In Teil 4 der Serie zeige ich:
Office-Programme statt Microsoft Office,
Outlook-Alternativen für E-Mail & Kalender,
Steuer Buchführung ,
lokale, Alternativen zu ChatGPT.

#LinuxMint #OpenSource #WindowsAlternative #DigitaleSouveraenitaet #FreieSoftware

Linux MINT statt Windows – es geht längst ohne Abstriche —> https://blog-demokratie.de/linux-mint-teil-4-alternative-windowsprogramme-buero-internet-verwaltung/
Ein Beitrag von Werner Hoffmann

Linux Mint eine vollwertige Alternative zu Windows – im Büro, E-Mail, Internet, in der Buchhaltung und sogar bei KI-Anwendungen.

In Teil 4 der Serie zeige ich:
Office-Programme statt Microsoft Office,
Outlook-Alternativen für E-Mail & Kalender,
Steuer Buchführung ,
lokale, Alternativen zu ChatGPT.

#LinuxMint #OpenSource #WindowsAlternative #DigitaleSouveraenitaet #FreieSoftware

Linux MINT statt Windows – es geht längst ohne Abstriche —> https://blog-demokratie.de/linux-mint-teil-4-alternative-windowsprogramme-buero-internet-verwaltung/
Ein Beitrag von Werner Hoffmann

Linux Mint eine vollwertige Alternative zu Windows – im Büro, E-Mail, Internet, in der Buchhaltung und sogar bei KI-Anwendungen.

In Teil 4 der Serie zeige ich:
Office-Programme statt Microsoft Office,
Outlook-Alternativen für E-Mail & Kalender,
Steuer Buchführung ,
lokale, Alternativen zu ChatGPT.

#LinuxMint #OpenSource #WindowsAlternative #DigitaleSouveraenitaet #FreieSoftware

@lunte161 @c_merriweather @itsfoss
What my head are these?

Anyway, someone might help…
https://todon.eu/@lunte161/115368325687273863

#Linux #Ubuntu #LinuxNewbies #LinuxTools #LinuxTool #LinuxHelp #newbie #newbies #saveMe #PCs #LinuxNewbie #help #LinuxForum #UbuntuHelp #LinuxMint #ZorinOS #WindowsEOL #MSWindows #Windows10EOL #windows10alternative #Windows10 #Windows11 #Windows10vsWindows11 #tracking #dataCollection #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #privacy #privacyMatters #MicroShit #Windoze #windoze11 #software #WindowsAlternative #WindowsAlternatives #migrate2Linux #MigrateToLinux #seekHelp #dev #devs #Development #developer #developers #develop #edit #extract #inject #files #tool #tools #image #images #trd #ZXSpectrum #BetaDisk #start #Interface1 #ZXSpectrums #emulator #emulators #Pentagon #Scorpion #Evolution #Sprinter #Clone #Variant #Variants #MAME #build #Windows #util #utils #vintage #vintageComputing #substitute #substitutes

@lunte161 @c_merriweather @itsfoss
What my head are these?

Anyway, someone might help…
https://todon.eu/@lunte161/115368325687273863

#Linux #Ubuntu #LinuxNewbies #LinuxTools #LinuxTool #LinuxHelp #newbie #newbies #saveMe #PCs #LinuxNewbie #help #LinuxForum #UbuntuHelp #LinuxMint #ZorinOS #WindowsEOL #MSWindows #Windows10EOL #windows10alternative #Windows10 #Windows11 #Windows10vsWindows11 #tracking #dataCollection #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #privacy #privacyMatters #MicroShit #Windoze #windoze11 #software #WindowsAlternative #WindowsAlternatives #migrate2Linux #MigrateToLinux #seekHelp #dev #devs #Development #developer #developers #develop #edit #extract #inject #files #tool #tools #image #images #trd #ZXSpectrum #BetaDisk #start #Interface1 #ZXSpectrums #emulator #emulators #Pentagon #Scorpion #Evolution #Sprinter #Clone #Variant #Variants #MAME #build #Windows #util #utils #vintage #vintageComputing #substitute #substitutes

@lunte161 @c_merriweather @itsfoss
What my head are these?

Anyway, someone might help…
https://todon.eu/@lunte161/115368325687273863

#Linux #Ubuntu #LinuxNewbies #LinuxTools #LinuxTool #LinuxHelp #newbie #newbies #saveMe #PCs #LinuxNewbie #help #LinuxForum #UbuntuHelp #LinuxMint #ZorinOS #WindowsEOL #MSWindows #Windows10EOL #windows10alternative #Windows10 #Windows11 #Windows10vsWindows11 #tracking #dataCollection #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #privacy #privacyMatters #MicroShit #Windoze #windoze11 #software #WindowsAlternative #WindowsAlternatives #migrate2Linux #MigrateToLinux #seekHelp #dev #devs #Development #developer #developers #develop #edit #extract #inject #files #tool #tools #image #images #trd #ZXSpectrum #BetaDisk #start #Interface1 #ZXSpectrums #emulator #emulators #Pentagon #Scorpion #Evolution #Sprinter #Clone #Variant #Variants #MAME #build #Windows #util #utils #vintage #vintageComputing #substitute #substitutes

Linux Mint als pragmatische Windows-Alternative für Einsteiger: Weniger Werbe-Pop-ups, keine Benutzerkontenzwang, perfekt auch für ältere Hardware. Ideal für alle, die offen für Neues sind & mehr Kontrolle wollen. Achtung: Voller Artikel nur mit heise+ Abo! 🚀🐧 #Linux #Mint #OpenSource #WindowsAlternative https://www.heise.de/ratgeber/Windows-Alternative-Linux-Mint-als-pragmatische-Distribution-fuer-Einsteiger-10499041.html
#newz

Linux Mint als pragmatische Windows-Alternative für Einsteiger: Weniger Werbe-Pop-ups, keine Benutzerkontenzwang, perfekt auch für ältere Hardware. Ideal für alle, die offen für Neues sind & mehr Kontrolle wollen. Achtung: Voller Artikel nur mit heise+ Abo! 🚀🐧 #Linux #Mint #OpenSource #WindowsAlternative https://www.heise.de/ratgeber/Windows-Alternative-Linux-Mint-als-pragmatische-Distribution-fuer-Einsteiger-10499041.html
#newz

Linux Mint als pragmatische Windows-Alternative für Einsteiger: Weniger Werbe-Pop-ups, keine Benutzerkontenzwang, perfekt auch für ältere Hardware. Ideal für alle, die offen für Neues sind & mehr Kontrolle wollen. Achtung: Voller Artikel nur mit heise+ Abo! 🚀🐧 #Linux #Mint #OpenSource #WindowsAlternative https://www.heise.de/ratgeber/Windows-Alternative-Linux-Mint-als-pragmatische-Distribution-fuer-Einsteiger-10499041.html
#newz

Linux Mint als pragmatische Windows-Alternative für Einsteiger: Weniger Werbe-Pop-ups, keine Benutzerkontenzwang, perfekt auch für ältere Hardware. Ideal für alle, die offen für Neues sind & mehr Kontrolle wollen. Achtung: Voller Artikel nur mit heise+ Abo! 🚀🐧 #Linux #Mint #OpenSource #WindowsAlternative https://www.heise.de/ratgeber/Windows-Alternative-Linux-Mint-als-pragmatische-Distribution-fuer-Einsteiger-10499041.html
#newz

Linux Mint als pragmatische Windows-Alternative für Einsteiger: Weniger Werbe-Pop-ups, keine Benutzerkontenzwang, perfekt auch für ältere Hardware. Ideal für alle, die offen für Neues sind & mehr Kontrolle wollen. Achtung: Voller Artikel nur mit heise+ Abo! 🚀🐧 #Linux #Mint #OpenSource #WindowsAlternative https://www.heise.de/ratgeber/Windows-Alternative-Linux-Mint-als-pragmatische-Distribution-fuer-Einsteiger-10499041.html
#newz

This post was inspired by the accessibility, or lack there of, of various operating systems, annoyances that people have with Windows, and the current state of Linux, which many sighted people tout as a great Windows alternative. While there are obviously some blind people who use it, overall, the experience is neither streamlined nor easy. and it can be downright frustrating. There is Mac OS, but then, there is the expense of a Mac, plus the fact that many normal periferals can't be used with it. There are Android and IOS, but these are touch-based, not built for computers, though both can be used with real keyboards. Still, such operating systems come with their own headaches.

My solution is one that cuts through all of the hurdles to a system that is fast, efficient, light on resources, and very accessible. This is DOS. I am not referring to MS-DOS, but to modern varients such as FreeDOS (just updated this year), Enhanced DR-DOS (updated a few years ago), VDOS (a version that runs directly in modern Windows systems), etc. For instance, this is FreeDOS.

https://www.freedos.org/download/

This is a wonderful (and long) list of general fallacies that people may hold about the operating system, as well as statements debunking them and proving why it is still a viable choice in 2025.

http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/~ak621/DOS/DOS-Fal.html

For us in the blind community, there are really only two issues standing in our way. The first is a good screen reader, and the second is software synthesis. Yet even these can be overcome. While many DOS screen readers were made in the past, only one is now completely open source. That is Provox. The entire code is available for us to update to our hearts' content. (Look down the page and you will find the download link under the screen reader section.)

https://allinaccess.com/happ/

Of course, we could create an entirely new one, but this gives us a good place to start if we don't want to reinvent the wheel. As for hardware synthesis, it was done in the past, with Flipper. It's not the best, but it shows that it is possible. Now, with all of these updates to DOS itself, as well as faster machines with better memory, soundcards, and drivers, it should be easier to create a software synthesizer.

There are still people programming for DOS, both for everyday use and versions of the operating system itself. Why not collaborate with them? Why can't we have a text-based, keyboard-driven operating system that works for us, that isn't bloated, and that we can even help to create? Imagine a version of DOS designed with accessibility in mind. What if it came with a built-in screen reader that talked during installation, braille support, a magnifier, ocr software, various other accessibility options, and menus that were easy to navigate for those who didn't wish to use the commandline, as well as access to it for those who did? What if it were free, or at the very least, extremely cheap, and could run on almost anything, so that anyone in the world could use it, provided he had some sort of computer? This is all within reach.

How many of you would be interested in at least trying out these modern versions of DOS to see what they offer and how far we could take them into the realm of accessibility and daily use?

#accessibility #blind #commandline #computing #DOS #FreeDOS #OperatingSystem #programming #ScreenReader #SoftwareSynthesizer #SpeechSynthesis #text-based #tui #WindowsAlternative

This post was inspired by the accessibility, or lack there of, of various operating systems, annoyances that people have with Windows, and the current state of Linux, which many sighted people tout as a great Windows alternative. While there are obviously some blind people who use it, overall, the experience is neither streamlined nor easy. and it can be downright frustrating. There is Mac OS, but then, there is the expense of a Mac, plus the fact that many normal periferals can't be used with it. There are Android and IOS, but these are touch-based, not built for computers, though both can be used with real keyboards. Still, such operating systems come with their own headaches.

My solution is one that cuts through all of the hurdles to a system that is fast, efficient, light on resources, and very accessible. This is DOS. I am not referring to MS-DOS, but to modern varients such as FreeDOS (just updated this year), Enhanced DR-DOS (updated a few years ago), VDOS (a version that runs directly in modern Windows systems), etc. For instance, this is FreeDOS.

https://www.freedos.org/download/

This is a wonderful (and long) list of general fallacies that people may hold about the operating system, as well as statements debunking them and proving why it is still a viable choice in 2025.

http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/~ak621/DOS/DOS-Fal.html

For us in the blind community, there are really only two issues standing in our way. The first is a good screen reader, and the second is software synthesis. Yet even these can be overcome. While many DOS screen readers were made in the past, only one is now completely open source. That is Provox. The entire code is available for us to update to our hearts' content. (Look down the page and you will find the download link under the screen reader section.)

https://allinaccess.com/happ/

Of course, we could create an entirely new one, but this gives us a good place to start if we don't want to reinvent the wheel. As for hardware synthesis, it was done in the past, with Flipper. It's not the best, but it shows that it is possible. Now, with all of these updates to DOS itself, as well as faster machines with better memory, soundcards, and drivers, it should be easier to create a software synthesizer.

There are still people programming for DOS, both for everyday use and versions of the operating system itself. Why not collaborate with them? Why can't we have a text-based, keyboard-driven operating system that works for us, that isn't bloated, and that we can even help to create? Imagine a version of DOS designed with accessibility in mind. What if it came with a built-in screen reader that talked during installation, braille support, a magnifier, ocr software, various other accessibility options, and menus that were easy to navigate for those who didn't wish to use the commandline, as well as access to it for those who did? What if it were free, or at the very least, extremely cheap, and could run on almost anything, so that anyone in the world could use it, provided he had some sort of computer? This is all within reach.

How many of you would be interested in at least trying out these modern versions of DOS to see what they offer and how far we could take them into the realm of accessibility and daily use?

#accessibility #blind #commandline #computing #DOS #FreeDOS #OperatingSystem #programming #ScreenReader #SoftwareSynthesizer #SpeechSynthesis #text-based #tui #WindowsAlternative

This post was inspired by the accessibility, or lack there of, of various operating systems, annoyances that people have with Windows, and the current state of Linux, which many sighted people tout as a great Windows alternative. While there are obviously some blind people who use it, overall, the experience is neither streamlined nor easy. and it can be downright frustrating. There is Mac OS, but then, there is the expense of a Mac, plus the fact that many normal periferals can't be used with it. There are Android and IOS, but these are touch-based, not built for computers, though both can be used with real keyboards. Still, such operating systems come with their own headaches.

My solution is one that cuts through all of the hurdles to a system that is fast, efficient, light on resources, and very accessible. This is DOS. I am not referring to MS-DOS, but to modern varients such as FreeDOS (just updated this year), Enhanced DR-DOS (updated a few years ago), VDOS (a version that runs directly in modern Windows systems), etc. For instance, this is FreeDOS.

https://www.freedos.org/download/

This is a wonderful (and long) list of general fallacies that people may hold about the operating system, as well as statements debunking them and proving why it is still a viable choice in 2025.

http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/~ak621/DOS/DOS-Fal.html

For us in the blind community, there are really only two issues standing in our way. The first is a good screen reader, and the second is software synthesis. Yet even these can be overcome. While many DOS screen readers were made in the past, only one is now completely open source. That is Provox. The entire code is available for us to update to our hearts' content. (Look down the page and you will find the download link under the screen reader section.)

https://allinaccess.com/happ/

Of course, we could create an entirely new one, but this gives us a good place to start if we don't want to reinvent the wheel. As for hardware synthesis, it was done in the past, with Flipper. It's not the best, but it shows that it is possible. Now, with all of these updates to DOS itself, as well as faster machines with better memory, soundcards, and drivers, it should be easier to create a software synthesizer.

There are still people programming for DOS, both for everyday use and versions of the operating system itself. Why not collaborate with them? Why can't we have a text-based, keyboard-driven operating system that works for us, that isn't bloated, and that we can even help to create? Imagine a version of DOS designed with accessibility in mind. What if it came with a built-in screen reader that talked during installation, braille support, a magnifier, ocr software, various other accessibility options, and menus that were easy to navigate for those who didn't wish to use the commandline, as well as access to it for those who did? What if it were free, or at the very least, extremely cheap, and could run on almost anything, so that anyone in the world could use it, provided he had some sort of computer? This is all within reach.

How many of you would be interested in at least trying out these modern versions of DOS to see what they offer and how far we could take them into the realm of accessibility and daily use?

#accessibility #blind #commandline #computing #DOS #FreeDOS #OperatingSystem #programming #ScreenReader #SoftwareSynthesizer #SpeechSynthesis #text-based #tui #WindowsAlternative

This post was inspired by the accessibility, or lack there of, of various operating systems, annoyances that people have with Windows, and the current state of Linux, which many sighted people tout as a great Windows alternative. While there are obviously some blind people who use it, overall, the experience is neither streamlined nor easy. and it can be downright frustrating. There is Mac OS, but then, there is the expense of a Mac, plus the fact that many normal periferals can't be used with it. There are Android and IOS, but these are touch-based, not built for computers, though both can be used with real keyboards. Still, such operating systems come with their own headaches.

My solution is one that cuts through all of the hurdles to a system that is fast, efficient, light on resources, and very accessible. This is DOS. I am not referring to MS-DOS, but to modern varients such as FreeDOS (just updated this year), Enhanced DR-DOS (updated a few years ago), VDOS (a version that runs directly in modern Windows systems), etc. For instance, this is FreeDOS.

https://www.freedos.org/download/

This is a wonderful (and long) list of general fallacies that people may hold about the operating system, as well as statements debunking them and proving why it is still a viable choice in 2025.

http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/~ak621/DOS/DOS-Fal.html

For us in the blind community, there are really only two issues standing in our way. The first is a good screen reader, and the second is software synthesis. Yet even these can be overcome. While many DOS screen readers were made in the past, only one is now completely open source. That is Provox. The entire code is available for us to update to our hearts' content. (Look down the page and you will find the download link under the screen reader section.)

https://allinaccess.com/happ/

Of course, we could create an entirely new one, but this gives us a good place to start if we don't want to reinvent the wheel. As for hardware synthesis, it was done in the past, with Flipper. It's not the best, but it shows that it is possible. Now, with all of these updates to DOS itself, as well as faster machines with better memory, soundcards, and drivers, it should be easier to create a software synthesizer.

There are still people programming for DOS, both for everyday use and versions of the operating system itself. Why not collaborate with them? Why can't we have a text-based, keyboard-driven operating system that works for us, that isn't bloated, and that we can even help to create? Imagine a version of DOS designed with accessibility in mind. What if it came with a built-in screen reader that talked during installation, braille support, a magnifier, ocr software, various other accessibility options, and menus that were easy to navigate for those who didn't wish to use the commandline, as well as access to it for those who did? What if it were free, or at the very least, extremely cheap, and could run on almost anything, so that anyone in the world could use it, provided he had some sort of computer? This is all within reach.

How many of you would be interested in at least trying out these modern versions of DOS to see what they offer and how far we could take them into the realm of accessibility and daily use?

#accessibility #blind #commandline #computing #DOS #FreeDOS #OperatingSystem #programming #ScreenReader #SoftwareSynthesizer #SpeechSynthesis #text-based #tui #WindowsAlternative

I love that the "Gendarmerie Nationale" has its own version of Ubuntu (GendBuntu), which is used on 97% of the computers (more than 100k).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GendBuntu

via https://mastodon.social/@nixCraft/114715325642549058

#GendarmerieNationale #GendBuntu #Ubuntu #WindowsAlternative #EndOf10 #DigitalSovereignty #EuropeanAlternatives #OpenSource #Linux

I love that the "Gendarmerie Nationale" has its own version of Ubuntu (GendBuntu), which is used on 97% of the computers (more than 100k).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GendBuntu

via https://mastodon.social/@nixCraft/114715325642549058

#GendarmerieNationale #GendBuntu #Ubuntu #WindowsAlternative #EndOf10 #DigitalSovereignty #EuropeanAlternatives #OpenSource #Linux

I love that the "Gendarmerie Nationale" has its own version of Ubuntu (GendBuntu), which is used on 97% of the computers (more than 100k).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GendBuntu

via https://mastodon.social/@nixCraft/114715325642549058

#GendarmerieNationale #GendBuntu #Ubuntu #WindowsAlternative #EndOf10 #DigitalSovereignty #EuropeanAlternatives #OpenSource #Linux

I love that the "Gendarmerie Nationale" has its own version of Ubuntu (GendBuntu), which is used on 97% of the computers (more than 100k).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GendBuntu

via https://mastodon.social/@nixCraft/114715325642549058

#GendarmerieNationale #GendBuntu #Ubuntu #WindowsAlternative #EndOf10 #DigitalSovereignty #EuropeanAlternatives #OpenSource #Linux

I love that the "Gendarmerie Nationale" has its own version of Ubuntu (GendBuntu), which is used on 97% of the computers (more than 100k).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GendBuntu

via https://mastodon.social/@nixCraft/114715325642549058

#GendarmerieNationale #GendBuntu #Ubuntu #WindowsAlternative #EndOf10 #DigitalSovereignty #EuropeanAlternatives #OpenSource #Linux

Looking for a Windows alternative that just works?

Try these 3 Linux distros tailored for you:
AcreetionOS – perfect for older users who want stability
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#Linux #FOSS #OpenSource #WindowsAlternative #AcreetionOS #StormOS #ArtullOS

Zorin OS 17.3: إصدار جديد مع تحسينات وتحديثات

#ZorinOS #Linux #OpenSource #Gnutux #WindowsAlternative

https://wp.me/p9aAZ6-cO

Zorin OS 17.3: إصدار جديد مع تحسينات وتحديثات

#ZorinOS #Linux #OpenSource #Gnutux #WindowsAlternative

https://wp.me/p9aAZ6-cO

Zorin OS 17.3: إصدار جديد مع تحسينات وتحديثات

#ZorinOS #Linux #OpenSource #Gnutux #WindowsAlternative

https://wp.me/p9aAZ6-cO

🐧 ReactOS 0.4.15 Released! 🐧
This update brings improved Plug & Play, better audio support, and critical system refinements. Plus, we honor the legendary Eric Kohl for 26 years of contributions! 🎖️

Read more: https://www.opensourcefeed.org/reactos-0415-release/

#ReactOS #FOSS #OpenSource #Linux #WindowsAlternative

🐧 ReactOS 0.4.15 Released! 🐧
This update brings improved Plug & Play, better audio support, and critical system refinements. Plus, we honor the legendary Eric Kohl for 26 years of contributions! 🎖️

Read more: https://www.opensourcefeed.org/reactos-0415-release/

#ReactOS #FOSS #OpenSource #Linux #WindowsAlternative

🐧 ReactOS 0.4.15 Released! 🐧
This update brings improved Plug & Play, better audio support, and critical system refinements. Plus, we honor the legendary Eric Kohl for 26 years of contributions! 🎖️

Read more: https://www.opensourcefeed.org/reactos-0415-release/

#ReactOS #FOSS #OpenSource #Linux #WindowsAlternative

🐧 ReactOS 0.4.15 Released! 🐧
This update brings improved Plug & Play, better audio support, and critical system refinements. Plus, we honor the legendary Eric Kohl for 26 years of contributions! 🎖️

Read more: https://www.opensourcefeed.org/reactos-0415-release/

#ReactOS #FOSS #OpenSource #Linux #WindowsAlternative