Re: Installation of Redhat without a sighted assistance

[Jason White <jasonw ariel ucs unimelb edu au>]

This issue has often arisen for discussion on this mailing list. I think
there are many other access concerns which are of much greater
significance, and I would not place this problem high on a list of
priorities. With this qualification in mind there are several practical
solutions which could be put into effect:

1. A CD-ROM could be prepared, containing a Linux distribution, together
with a copy of BrlTTY and a fairly primitive speech output system; the
latter could rely on either a hardware-based or software-only synthesizer
and could be loaded prior to the installation process. The facilities for
controlling the output could be included in the installation software or
as a primitive kind of screen reader, whichever was easiest to implement
given available resources.

2. Alternatively, or in addition to the above, a "serial terminal" option
could be provided, enabling the installation process to be operated from
another computer, connected to the serial port.

3. Alternatively, a small application could be written, capable of running
in DOS with an existing braille or speech output package, which sets up an
automated configuration script and launches the installation procedure.

However, the easiest and most practical solutions are:

1. Arrange for someone else to read the screen during the installation
process (which should in any case take less than half an hour).

2. Follow the instructions for creating an automated installation script
and ask a friend to read the screen if it doesn't proceed as expected.

I am not denying that operating system installation procedures tend to be
inaccessible, but it should be remembered that installation need only be
carried out once, whereas the accessibility of applications which one may
wish to use on a routine basis is of much greater practical importance.

Also, computers are now available for purchase on which Linux has already
installed; in appropriate cases this eliminates the problem from the
standpoint of the end user.

As I remember, Hans once suggested developing a CD-ROM of the kind which I
have described. However, there apeared to be insufficient interest on the
part of list subscribers to justify the effort. One reason, perhaps, is
that once the operating system is in place and working, most people
set aside whatever problems they may have encountered during the
installation procedure and start using the computer productively.

I would not seek to discourage anyone from taking steps to improve
installation processes by making them more accessible, as I think this
would increase the attractiveness of the software to new users.