talking bios?

talking bios?

[igueths]

Hi all. I saw an article on Slashdot about a week or 2 ago about the
Linuxbios project, which can be found at linuxbios.org. This poses some
interesting ideas for the future...Theoretically, wouldn't it be possible
to integrate Speakup into the kernel that is used on the Rom chip? Also, I
think its a good idea to write to all the major motherboard manufacturers
about the Linuxbios project. And also explain how including a talking bios
in future motherboards would benifit the blind/visually impaired community.
And also explain how current bioses are inaccessible to visually impaired
people. What iare everyone's thoughts on this? 

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mail2web - Check your email from the web at
http://mail2web.com/ .

Re: talking bios?

[Erik Heil]

Hi.
Actually, it can be shown that such an item could be benificial to the
sighted community also.  There are times when using an actual display may be
impractical, say in a data center where space is at a premium.  I happen to
know for a fact that on Rs/6000 and P Series UNIX workstations that run AIX
(by IBM), this is possible, as you change the console port to one of the
serial ports.  That way you can use Winblows Terminal and you have access to
the Boot PROM, BIOS, etc.  But in all, point well taken. I'll be sure to
check out that Web site though.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <igueths@comcast.net>
To: <speakup@braille.uwo.ca>
Sent: Monday, December 22, 2003 2:08 AM
Subject: talking bios?


Hi all. I saw an article on Slashdot about a week or 2 ago about the
Linuxbios project, which can be found at linuxbios.org. This poses some
interesting ideas for the future...Theoretically, wouldn't it be possible
to integrate Speakup into the kernel that is used on the Rom chip? Also, I
think its a good idea to write to all the major motherboard manufacturers
about the Linuxbios project. And also explain how including a talking bios
in future motherboards would benifit the blind/visually impaired community.
And also explain how current bioses are inaccessible to visually impaired
people. What iare everyone's thoughts on this?

--------------------------------------------------------------------
mail2web - Check your email from the web at
http://mail2web.com/ .



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Speakup mailing list
Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup

Re: talking bios?

[Sean McMahon]

How would the bios talk when you don't have sound yet do the cerial ports
work?
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Erik Heil" <eheil@patmedia.net>
To: <igueths@comcast.net>; "Speakup is a screen review system for Linux."
<speakup@braille.uwo.ca>
Sent: Monday, December 22, 2003 6:25 AM
Subject: Re: talking bios?


> Hi.
> Actually, it can be shown that such an item could be benificial to the
> sighted community also.  There are times when using an actual display may
be
> impractical, say in a data center where space is at a premium.  I happen
to
> know for a fact that on Rs/6000 and P Series UNIX workstations that run
AIX
> (by IBM), this is possible, as you change the console port to one of the
> serial ports.  That way you can use Winblows Terminal and you have access
to
> the Boot PROM, BIOS, etc.  But in all, point well taken. I'll be sure to
> check out that Web site though.
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: <igueths@comcast.net>
> To: <speakup@braille.uwo.ca>
> Sent: Monday, December 22, 2003 2:08 AM
> Subject: talking bios?
>
>
> Hi all. I saw an article on Slashdot about a week or 2 ago about the
> Linuxbios project, which can be found at linuxbios.org. This poses some
> interesting ideas for the future...Theoretically, wouldn't it be possible
> to integrate Speakup into the kernel that is used on the Rom chip? Also, I
> think its a good idea to write to all the major motherboard manufacturers
> about the Linuxbios project. And also explain how including a talking bios
> in future motherboards would benifit the blind/visually impaired
community.
> And also explain how current bioses are inaccessible to visually impaired
> people. What iare everyone's thoughts on this?
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
> mail2web - Check your email from the web at
> http://mail2web.com/ .
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup

Re: talking bios?

[David Csercsics]

Yep this should be definitely done that is for sure! Talking BIOS would rock. Maybe we should take it a step further and get a static BRLTTY as part of the BIOS for deaf users who cannot use speech.

Re: talking bios?

[Garrett Klein]

Hey Igor,

A friend of mine was looking into getting a motherboard last year that had a
sort of bios screen reader built into it. Unfortunately, the URL that I have
doesn't work anymore, I can give you the model for it though. It's called
the 845GE Chipset Pentium 4 Mother BoardBRP4GE-V. YOu could probably find
something on this via google... HTH.

Garrett
----- Original Message -----
From: <igueths@comcast.net>
To: <speakup@braille.uwo.ca>
Sent: Monday, December 22, 2003 2:08 AM
Subject: talking bios?


Hi all. I saw an article on Slashdot about a week or 2 ago about the
Linuxbios project, which can be found at linuxbios.org. This poses some
interesting ideas for the future...Theoretically, wouldn't it be possible
to integrate Speakup into the kernel that is used on the Rom chip? Also, I
think its a good idea to write to all the major motherboard manufacturers
about the Linuxbios project. And also explain how including a talking bios
in future motherboards would benifit the blind/visually impaired community.
And also explain how current bioses are inaccessible to visually impaired
people. What iare everyone's thoughts on this?

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http://mail2web.com/ .



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Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
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Re: talking bios?

[David Csercsics]

On Mon, Dec 22, 2003 at 12:47:14PM -0500, Garrett Klein wrote:
> A friend of mine was looking into getting a motherboard last year that had a
> sort of bios screen reader built into it. Unfortunately, the URL that I have
> doesn't work anymore, I can give you the model for it though. It's called
> the 845GE Chipset Pentium 4 Mother BoardBRP4GE-V. YOu could probably find
> something on this via google... HTH.
> 
I will google for this as well. If rthe board doesn't come with onboard
sound or an onboard NIC and if it's got 3 or 4 RAM slots, 5 PCI and
at least one serial port though it isn't worth the trouble even if the
BIOS talks.

Re: talking bios?

[Alex Snow]

though a motherboard running this linux bios with speakup in it would 
be pretty cool. especially if you could recompile the bios stuff with 
only the stuff you want so you could customise.
On Mon, Dec 22, 2003 at 
12:47:14PM -0500, Garrett Klein wrote:
> Hey Igor,
> 
> A friend of mine was looking into getting a motherboard last year that had a
> sort of bios screen reader built into it. Unfortunately, the URL that I have
> doesn't work anymore, I can give you the model for it though. It's called
> the 845GE Chipset Pentium 4 Mother BoardBRP4GE-V. YOu could probably find
> something on this via google... HTH.
> 
> Garrett
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <igueths@comcast.net>
> To: <speakup@braille.uwo.ca>
> Sent: Monday, December 22, 2003 2:08 AM
> Subject: talking bios?
> 
> 
> Hi all. I saw an article on Slashdot about a week or 2 ago about the
> Linuxbios project, which can be found at linuxbios.org. This poses some
> interesting ideas for the future...Theoretically, wouldn't it be possible
> to integrate Speakup into the kernel that is used on the Rom chip? Also, I
> think its a good idea to write to all the major motherboard manufacturers
> about the Linuxbios project. And also explain how including a talking bios
> in future motherboards would benifit the blind/visually impaired community.
> And also explain how current bioses are inaccessible to visually impaired
> people. What iare everyone's thoughts on this?
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
> mail2web - Check your email from the web at
> http://mail2web.com/ .
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup

-- 
Always borrow money from a pessimist; he doesn't expect to be paid
back.

Re: talking bios?

[Alex Snow]

I'm looking at buying a new motherboard in the next year but I don't 
want a pentium I'm looking at amd. 
On Mon, Dec 22, 2003 at 09:55:40AM 
-0800, David Csercsics wrote:
> On Mon, Dec 22, 2003 at 12:47:14PM -0500, Garrett Klein wrote:
> > A friend of mine was looking into getting a motherboard last year that had a
> > sort of bios screen reader built into it. Unfortunately, the URL that I have
> > doesn't work anymore, I can give you the model for it though. It's called
> > the 845GE Chipset Pentium 4 Mother BoardBRP4GE-V. YOu could probably find
> > something on this via google... HTH.
> > 
> I will google for this as well. If rthe board doesn't come with onboard
> sound or an onboard NIC and if it's got 3 or 4 RAM slots, 5 PCI and
> at least one serial port though it isn't worth the trouble even if the
> BIOS talks.
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup

-- 
Always borrow money from a pessimist; he doesn't expect to be paid
back.

Re: talking bios?

[David Csercsics]

I don't like pentium either. I need a new computer in a year probably too.
Need a job first though.

On Mon, Dec 22, 2003 at 02:47:50PM -0500, Alex Snow wrote:
> I'm looking at buying a new motherboard in the next year but I don't 
> want a pentium I'm looking at amd. 
> On Mon, Dec 22, 2003 at 09:55:40AM 
> -0800, David Csercsics wrote:
> > On Mon, Dec 22, 2003 at 12:47:14PM -0500, Garrett Klein wrote:
> > > A friend of mine was looking into getting a motherboard last year that had a
> > > sort of bios screen reader built into it. Unfortunately, the URL that I have
> > > doesn't work anymore, I can give you the model for it though. It's called
> > > the 845GE Chipset Pentium 4 Mother BoardBRP4GE-V. YOu could probably find
> > > something on this via google... HTH.
> > > 
> > I will google for this as well. If rthe board doesn't come with onboard
> > sound or an onboard NIC and if it's got 3 or 4 RAM slots, 5 PCI and
> > at least one serial port though it isn't worth the trouble even if the
> > BIOS talks.
> > 
> > 
> > _______________________________________________
> > Speakup mailing list
> > Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> > http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
> 
> -- 
> Always borrow money from a pessimist; he doesn't expect to be paid
> back.
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup

Re: talking bios?

[Alex Snow]

I got the job part worked out...only wish it payed more. I only get 
about us $12 a week from it.
On Mon, Dec 22, 2003 at 11:48:56AM -0800, 
David Csercsics wrote:
> I don't like pentium either. I need a new computer in a year probably too.
> Need a job first though.
> 
> On Mon, Dec 22, 2003 at 02:47:50PM -0500, Alex Snow wrote:
> > I'm looking at buying a new motherboard in the next year but I don't 
> > want a pentium I'm looking at amd. 
> > On Mon, Dec 22, 2003 at 09:55:40AM 
> > -0800, David Csercsics wrote:
> > > On Mon, Dec 22, 2003 at 12:47:14PM -0500, Garrett Klein wrote:
> > > > A friend of mine was looking into getting a motherboard last year that had a
> > > > sort of bios screen reader built into it. Unfortunately, the URL that I have
> > > > doesn't work anymore, I can give you the model for it though. It's called
> > > > the 845GE Chipset Pentium 4 Mother BoardBRP4GE-V. YOu could probably find
> > > > something on this via google... HTH.
> > > > 
> > > I will google for this as well. If rthe board doesn't come with onboard
> > > sound or an onboard NIC and if it's got 3 or 4 RAM slots, 5 PCI and
> > > at least one serial port though it isn't worth the trouble even if the
> > > BIOS talks.
> > > 
> > > 
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > Speakup mailing list
> > > Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> > > http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
> > 
> > -- 
> > Always borrow money from a pessimist; he doesn't expect to be paid
> > back.
> > 
> > 
> > _______________________________________________
> > Speakup mailing list
> > Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> > http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup

-- 
Always borrow money from a pessimist; he doesn't expect to be paid
back.

Re: talking bios?

[Glenn Ervin at Home]

I think it would be great!
It frustrates me to wait for someone to come along to read the BIOS for me.
Glenn.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Erik Heil" <eheil@patmedia.net>
To: <igueths@comcast.net>; "Speakup is a screen review system for Linux."
<speakup@braille.uwo.ca>
Sent: Monday, December 22, 2003 7:25 AM
Subject: Re: talking bios?


Hi.
Actually, it can be shown that such an item could be benificial to the
sighted community also.  There are times when using an actual display may be
impractical, say in a data center where space is at a premium.  I happen to
know for a fact that on Rs/6000 and P Series UNIX workstations that run AIX
(by IBM), this is possible, as you change the console port to one of the
serial ports.  That way you can use Winblows Terminal and you have access to
the Boot PROM, BIOS, etc.  But in all, point well taken. I'll be sure to
check out that Web site though.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <igueths@comcast.net>
To: <speakup@braille.uwo.ca>
Sent: Monday, December 22, 2003 2:08 AM
Subject: talking bios?


Hi all. I saw an article on Slashdot about a week or 2 ago about the
Linuxbios project, which can be found at linuxbios.org. This poses some
interesting ideas for the future...Theoretically, wouldn't it be possible
to integrate Speakup into the kernel that is used on the Rom chip? Also, I
think its a good idea to write to all the major motherboard manufacturers
about the Linuxbios project. And also explain how including a talking bios
in future motherboards would benifit the blind/visually impaired community.
And also explain how current bioses are inaccessible to visually impaired
people. What iare everyone's thoughts on this?

--------------------------------------------------------------------
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http://mail2web.com/ .



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Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup


_______________________________________________
Speakup mailing list
Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup

Re: talking bios?

[Shaun Oliver]

at the risk of being helpful, Sean McMahon delivered up the following on Mon, Dec 22, 2003 at 09:57:39AM -0700, 
> How would the bios talk when you don't have sound yet do the cerial ports
> work?
*SNIP*

I think my signature speaks for itself with reference to the above.
However, the serial ports would work but better yet if you have a hardware synth, either 
internal or serial, then that would be the method of choice imho.
Personally I believe it's doable but we're in the minority. and motherboard manufacturers 
aren't just going to implement a form of talking bios or put openbios on their motherboards 
just because blind people want it, there's got to be something in it for them. a monetery 
reason why to implement it and my guess is it'd be cheeper for them to do so..
Spell it out in dollars and cents for them not poor little blind people want it.
As a totally blind user of a computer myself, it sucks enough as it is we've got to pay and 
dearly for the hardware we need to access our pile of cylicone and junk. not to mention the 
um. uh hem uh hem proprietory software we need to access that other os, can anyone say jaws or 
windoweyes?
I for one am glad for Linux and speakup, and if it can be implemented somehow in a bios 
situation then I'm all for it. but sell it to manufacturers correctl.y or they won't want a 
bar of it.



-- 
Shaun Oliver


"I refuse to have a battle of wits with an unarmed person."
email: shaun_oliver@optusnet.com.au
WEB: http://blindman.homelinux.org/
IRC: irc.awesomechat.net:6666
IRCNICK: blindman

Re: talking bios?

[Luke Davis]

On Mon, 22 Dec 2003, Glenn Ervin at Home wrote:

> I think it would be great!
> It frustrates me to wait for someone to come along to read the BIOS for me.

Agreed.  The only PCs which ever had accessible BIOSes, were the Dell
units, and even that only worked if you could boot DOS, and get a screen
reader up.

Being able to access BIOS/CMOS information via terminal, speech synth
(half terminal), or even better: via network, would be quite nice.

I'll definitely investigate this project, and do what publicity I can.

Luke

Re: talking bios?

[randy turner]

man that would bewonderfull!
i doubt we can get them to do it but i am all for
writing to some of them
randy


On Mon, 22 Dec 2003, igueths@comcast.net wrote:

> Hi all. I saw an article on Slashdot about a week or 2 ago about the
> Linuxbios project, which can be found at linuxbios.org. This poses some
> interesting ideas for the future...Theoretically, wouldn't it be possible
> to integrate Speakup into the kernel that is used on the Rom chip? Also, I
> think its a good idea to write to all the major motherboard manufacturers
> about the Linuxbios project. And also explain how including a talking bios
> in future motherboards would benifit the blind/visually impaired community.
> And also explain how current bioses are inaccessible to visually impaired
> people. What iare everyone's thoughts on this?
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
> mail2web - Check your email from the web at
> http://mail2web.com/ .
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
>

Re: talking bios?

[Ralph W. Reid]

This project reminds me of the old Speaqualizer (possibly spelled
wrong) speech synthesizer.  The Speaqualizer was all hardware, so it
was capable of reading everything that showed up on a text screen,
including all prompts and info which showed up before the OS was
loaded.  This new project sounds promising--I hope it goes well.  The
project seems to have some serious support, so I think I will keep
up with it as time allows.  Thanks, and have a _great_ day!

On Mon, Dec 22, 2003 at 02:08:20AM -0500, igueths@comcast.net wrote:
> Hi all. I saw an article on Slashdot about a week or 2 ago about the
> Linuxbios project, which can be found at linuxbios.org. This poses some
> interesting ideas for the future...Theoretically, wouldn't it be possible
> to integrate Speakup into the kernel that is used on the Rom chip? Also, I
> think its a good idea to write to all the major motherboard manufacturers
> about the Linuxbios project. And also explain how including a talking bios
> in future motherboards would benifit the blind/visually impaired community.
> And also explain how current bioses are inaccessible to visually impaired
> people. What iare everyone's thoughts on this? 
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
> mail2web - Check your email from the web at
> http://mail2web.com/ .
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup

-- 
Ralph.  N6BNO.  Wisdom comes from central processing, not from I/O.
rreid@sunset.net  http://personalweb.sunset.net/~rreid
Opinions herein are either mine or they are flame bait.
SLOPE = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)

Re: talking bios?

[Sean McMahon]

It didn't catch on for me back then because you couldn't get it to echo
words as you typed them.  This is because at the time ibm clone didn't mean
exactly supported all ibm functionality.  My machine at the time was a
packart-bell and ours at school were ibms which supported word echo fine.
Sean
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ralph W. Reid" <rreid@sunset.net>
To: "Speakup is a screen review system for Linux." <speakup@braille.uwo.ca>
Sent: Thursday, December 25, 2003 7:25 PM
Subject: Re: talking bios?


> As I recall, the Speaqualizer plugged into a standard ISA slot, and
> copied video signals from the ISA bus.  I believe a little, external
> control box was used for reviewing the screen and such.  I was told
> that its weakest point was its not-so-great speech quality.  I never
> owned one myself, but it was high on my wish list for a while.  It
> seemed like a good idea, and I am surprised it did not catch on more
> than it did.
>
> On Wed, Dec 24, 2003 at 12:13:27PM -0800, Gregory Nowak wrote:
> > Interesting. How did this synth interface with the system, did it act as
a video card, did it plug into the vga port of an existing video card?
> >
> > Greg
> >
> >
> >
> > > ----- Original Message -----
> > >From: "Ralph W. Reid" <rreid@sunset.net
> > >To: igueths@comcast.net,"Speakup is a screen review system for Linux."
<speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> > >Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 09:49:08 -0800
> > >Subject: Re: talking bios?
> >
> > >This project reminds me of the old Speaqualizer (possibly spelled
> > >wrong) speech synthesizer.  The Speaqualizer was all hardware, so it
> > >was capable of reading everything that showed up on a text screen,
> > >including all prompts and info which showed up before the OS was
> > >loaded.  This new project sounds promising--I hope it goes well.  The
> > >project seems to have some serious support, so I think I will keep
> > >up with it as time allows.  Thanks, and have a _great_ day!
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Speakup mailing list
> > Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> > http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
>
> -- 
> Ralph.  N6BNO.  Wisdom comes from central processing, not from I/O.
> rreid@sunset.net  http://personalweb.sunset.net/~rreid
> Opinions herein are either mine or they are flame bait.
> PARABOLA = x ^ 2
>
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup

Re: talking bios?

[Sean McMahon]

The whole point of having an accessible bios is to troubleshoot problems
which occur before the OS starts.  So a program as part of the os might not
be our best solution.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gregory Nowak" <greg@romuald.net.eu.org>
To: "Speakup is a screen review system for Linux." <speakup@braille.uwo.ca>
Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2003 11:50 AM
Subject: RE: talking bios?


> Not a bad idea. However, since different companies have different BIOS
access methods, the program running in the OS would need some sort of an API
probably so that it would provide the same standard interface, while being
able to configure different bioses.
>
> Greg
>
>
>
> > ----- Original Message -----
> >From: "Dawes, Stephen" <Stephen.Dawes@calgary.ca
> >To: "Speakup is a screen review system for Linux."
<speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> >Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 08:09:00 -0700
> >Subject: RE: talking bios?
>
> >Wouldn't an easier solution be a program that could read from, and write
> >to, the bios, that could be accessed from an already booted computer
> >regardless of the OS?
>
> >In my convoluted way of thinking, it wouldn't then matter which means of
> >accessibility you are using, you could make changes to the bios and have
> >them take effect on reboot.
>
> >Take effect on reboot! HHHMMM!!! What a concept, isn't that when changes
> >to the bios currently take effect?
>
> >This approach then would not need manufacturers having to worry about
> >making something to work for all.
>
> >OH Yeah, maybe we are barking up the wrong tree completely on this one.
> >Earlier this year, I read an article that was talking about the bios as
> >we currently know love is going to be replaced by some new system that
> >will be accessible from tools within the OS. This is because of the
> >16-bit restriction that currently exists in the bios, or so the article
> >was saying. If I have some time latter on today, I'll try to find the
> >article and post it here as another follow-up to this thread.
>
> >Steve Dawes
> >Phone: (403) 268-5527
> >Email: SDawes@calgary.ca
>
>
>
> >NOTICE::
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>
>
> >_______________________________________________
> >Speakup mailing list
> >Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> >http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup

Re: talking bios?

[Ralph W. Reid]

As I recall, the Speaqualizer plugged into a standard ISA slot, and
copied video signals from the ISA bus.  I believe a little, external
control box was used for reviewing the screen and such.  I was told
that its weakest point was its not-so-great speech quality.  I never
owned one myself, but it was high on my wish list for a while.  It
seemed like a good idea, and I am surprised it did not catch on more
than it did.

On Wed, Dec 24, 2003 at 12:13:27PM -0800, Gregory Nowak wrote:
> Interesting. How did this synth interface with the system, did it act as a video card, did it plug into the vga port of an existing video card?
> 
> Greg
> 
> 
> 
> > ----- Original Message -----
> >From: "Ralph W. Reid" <rreid@sunset.net
> >To: igueths@comcast.net,"Speakup is a screen review system for Linux." <speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> >Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 09:49:08 -0800
> >Subject: Re: talking bios?
> 
> >This project reminds me of the old Speaqualizer (possibly spelled
> >wrong) speech synthesizer.  The Speaqualizer was all hardware, so it
> >was capable of reading everything that showed up on a text screen,
> >including all prompts and info which showed up before the OS was
> >loaded.  This new project sounds promising--I hope it goes well.  The
> >project seems to have some serious support, so I think I will keep
> >up with it as time allows.  Thanks, and have a _great_ day!
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup

-- 
Ralph.  N6BNO.  Wisdom comes from central processing, not from I/O.
rreid@sunset.net  http://personalweb.sunset.net/~rreid
Opinions herein are either mine or they are flame bait.
PARABOLA = x ^ 2

Re: talking bios?

[Alex Snow]

I think it actualy had it's own interface card that you had to put in 
the machine and hook the device to it.
On Wed, Dec 24, 2003 at 03:24:52PM 
-0500, Dave Hunt wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> I think it plubbed into the VGA port on an existing video card.  It must have done something like ocr on the displayed stuff?
> 
> -Dave
> 
> 
> Gregory Nowak writes:
>  > Interesting. How did this synth interface with the system, did it act as a video card, did it plug into the vga port of an existing video card?
>  > 
>  > Greg
>  > 
>  > 
>  > 
>  > > ----- Original Message -----
>  > >From: "Ralph W. Reid" <rreid@sunset.net
>  > >To: igueths@comcast.net,"Speakup is a screen review system for Linux." <speakup@braille.uwo.ca
>  > >Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 09:49:08 -0800
>  > >Subject: Re: talking bios?
>  > 
>  > >This project reminds me of the old Speaqualizer (possibly spelled
>  > >wrong) speech synthesizer.  The Speaqualizer was all hardware, so it
>  > >was capable of reading everything that showed up on a text screen,
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup

-- 
Always borrow money from a pessimist; he doesn't expect to be paid
back.

Re: talking bios?

[Dave Hunt]

Hi,

I think it plubbed into the VGA port on an existing video card.  It must have done something like ocr on the displayed stuff?

-Dave


Gregory Nowak writes:
 > Interesting. How did this synth interface with the system, did it act as a video card, did it plug into the vga port of an existing video card?
 > 
 > Greg
 > 
 > 
 > 
 > > ----- Original Message -----
 > >From: "Ralph W. Reid" <rreid@sunset.net
 > >To: igueths@comcast.net,"Speakup is a screen review system for Linux." <speakup@braille.uwo.ca
 > >Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 09:49:08 -0800
 > >Subject: Re: talking bios?
 > 
 > >This project reminds me of the old Speaqualizer (possibly spelled
 > >wrong) speech synthesizer.  The Speaqualizer was all hardware, so it
 > >was capable of reading everything that showed up on a text screen,

Re: talking bios?

[Gregory Nowak]

You could always run DOS or a tiny GNU/Linux distro off of a floppy or 2, and you have an OS from which to start the application.

Greg



> ----- Original Message -----
>From: Alex Snow <alex_snow@gmx.net
>To: "Speakup is a screen review system for Linux." <speakup@braille.uwo.ca
>Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 17:34:19 -0500
>Subject: Re: talking bios?

>yeah thoug what about the initla setup? or if you have no os?

Re: talking bios?

[Gregory Nowak]

Interesting. How did this synth interface with the system, did it act as a video card, did it plug into the vga port of an existing video card?

Greg



> ----- Original Message -----
>From: "Ralph W. Reid" <rreid@sunset.net
>To: igueths@comcast.net,"Speakup is a screen review system for Linux." <speakup@braille.uwo.ca
>Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 09:49:08 -0800
>Subject: Re: talking bios?

>This project reminds me of the old Speaqualizer (possibly spelled
>wrong) speech synthesizer.  The Speaqualizer was all hardware, so it
>was capable of reading everything that showed up on a text screen,
>including all prompts and info which showed up before the OS was
>loaded.  This new project sounds promising--I hope it goes well.  The
>project seems to have some serious support, so I think I will keep
>up with it as time allows.  Thanks, and have a _great_ day!

Re: talking bios?

[Alex Snow]

yeah thoug what about the initla setup? or if you have no os?
On Tue, Dec 
23, 2003 at 08:09:00AM -0700, Dawes, Stephen wrote:
> Wouldn't an easier solution be a program that could read from, and write
> to, the bios, that could be accessed from an already booted computer
> regardless of the OS? 
> 
> In my convoluted way of thinking, it wouldn't then matter which means of
> accessibility you are using, you could make changes to the bios and have
> them take effect on reboot. 
> 
> Take effect on reboot! HHHMMM!!! What a concept, isn't that when changes
> to the bios currently take effect? 
> 
> This approach then would not need manufacturers having to worry about
> making something to work for all. 
> 
> OH Yeah, maybe we are barking up the wrong tree completely on this one.
> Earlier this year, I read an article that was talking about the bios as
> we currently know love is going to be replaced by some new system that
> will be accessible from tools within the OS. This is because of the
> 16-bit restriction that currently exists in the bios, or so the article
> was saying. If I have some time latter on today, I'll try to find the
> article and post it here as another follow-up to this thread.
> 
> Steve Dawes
> Phone: (403) 268-5527
> Email: SDawes@calgary.ca
> 
> 
> 
> NOTICE::
> This communication is intended ONLY for the use of the person or entity named above and may contain information that is confidential or legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient named above or a person responsible for delivering messages or communications to the intended recipient, YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that any use, distribution, or copying of this communication or any of the information contained in it is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by telephone and then destroy or delete this communication, or return it to us by mail if requested by us. The City of Calgary thanks you for your attention and cooperation.
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
> 

-- 
Always borrow money from a pessimist; he doesn't expect to be paid
back.

Re: talking bios?

[Alex Snow]

though roms are big enough to hold what you need. the eeprom on my 
laptop is 4 mb. that's definitly enough.
On Mon, Dec 22, 2003 at 
04:04:31PM -0800, Gregory Nowak wrote:
> One thing you'd need to keep in mind here is the limited space in the ROM.
> 
> Greg
> 
> 
> 
> > ----- Original Message -----
> >From: David Csercsics <aarg@shaw.ca
> >To: igueths@comcast.net, "Speakup is a screen review system for Linux."<speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> >Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2003 09:13:55 -0800
> >Subject: Re: talking bios?
> 
> >Yep this should be definitely done that is for sure! Talking BIOS would rock. Maybe we should take it a step further and get a static BRLTTY as part of the BIOS for deaf users who cannot use speech.
> 
> 
> >_______________________________________________
> >Speakup mailing list
> >Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> >http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup

-- 
Always borrow money from a pessimist; he doesn't expect to be paid
back.

Re: talking bios?

[igueths]

Hi there. I'd say it would be worth it, since a limted number of boards
already come with a Linuxbios. I forget exactly which manufactuers are
supported right now, the list can be found on the project website.

Original Message:
-----------------
From: randy turner rturner2@texasisp.com
Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 13:18:30 -0600 (CST)
To: speakup@braille.uwo.ca
Subject: Re: talking bios?



man that would bewonderfull!
i doubt we can get them to do it but i am all for
writing to some of them
randy


On Mon, 22 Dec 2003, igueths@comcast.net wrote:

> Hi all. I saw an article on Slashdot about a week or 2 ago about the
> Linuxbios project, which can be found at linuxbios.org. This poses some
> interesting ideas for the future...Theoretically, wouldn't it be possible
> to integrate Speakup into the kernel that is used on the Rom chip? Also, I
> think its a good idea to write to all the major motherboard manufacturers
> about the Linuxbios project. And also explain how including a talking bios
> in future motherboards would benifit the blind/visually impaired
community.
> And also explain how current bioses are inaccessible to visually impaired
> people. What iare everyone's thoughts on this?
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
> mail2web - Check your email from the web at
> http://mail2web.com/ .
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
>


_______________________________________________
Speakup mailing list
Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup

--------------------------------------------------------------------
mail2web - Check your email from the web at
http://mail2web.com/ .

RE: talking bios?

[Gregory Nowak]

Not a bad idea. However, since different companies have different BIOS access methods, the program running in the OS would need some sort of an API probably so that it would provide the same standard interface, while being able to configure different bioses.

Greg



> ----- Original Message -----
>From: "Dawes, Stephen" <Stephen.Dawes@calgary.ca
>To: "Speakup is a screen review system for Linux." <speakup@braille.uwo.ca
>Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 08:09:00 -0700
>Subject: RE: talking bios?

>Wouldn't an easier solution be a program that could read from, and write
>to, the bios, that could be accessed from an already booted computer
>regardless of the OS?

>In my convoluted way of thinking, it wouldn't then matter which means of
>accessibility you are using, you could make changes to the bios and have
>them take effect on reboot.

>Take effect on reboot! HHHMMM!!! What a concept, isn't that when changes
>to the bios currently take effect?

>This approach then would not need manufacturers having to worry about
>making something to work for all.

>OH Yeah, maybe we are barking up the wrong tree completely on this one.
>Earlier this year, I read an article that was talking about the bios as
>we currently know love is going to be replaced by some new system that
>will be accessible from tools within the OS. This is because of the
>16-bit restriction that currently exists in the bios, or so the article
>was saying. If I have some time latter on today, I'll try to find the
>article and post it here as another follow-up to this thread.

>Steve Dawes
>Phone: (403) 268-5527
>Email: SDawes@calgary.ca



>NOTICE::
>This communication is intended ONLY for the use of the person or entity named above and may contain information that is confidential or legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient named above or a person responsible for delivering messages or communications to the intended recipient, YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that any use, distribution, or copying of this communication or any of the information contained in it is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by telephone and then destroy or delete this communication, or return it to us by mail if requested by us. The City of Calgary thanks you for your attention and cooperation.


>_______________________________________________
>Speakup mailing list
>Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
>http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup

Re: talking bios?

[Gregory Nowak]

Yeah, you're not alone there (smile).

Greg



> ----- Original Message -----
>From: "Glenn Ervin at Home" <GlennErvin@cableone.net
>To: "Erik Heil" <eheil@patmedia.net>,"Speakup is a screen review system for Linux." <speakup@braille.uwo.ca
>Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2003 20:18:34 -0600
>Subject: Re: talking bios?

>I think it would be great!
>It frustrates me to wait for someone to come along to read the BIOS for me.
>Glenn.

RE: talking bios?

[Dawes, Stephen]

Wouldn't an easier solution be a program that could read from, and write
to, the bios, that could be accessed from an already booted computer
regardless of the OS? 

In my convoluted way of thinking, it wouldn't then matter which means of
accessibility you are using, you could make changes to the bios and have
them take effect on reboot. 

Take effect on reboot! HHHMMM!!! What a concept, isn't that when changes
to the bios currently take effect? 

This approach then would not need manufacturers having to worry about
making something to work for all. 

OH Yeah, maybe we are barking up the wrong tree completely on this one.
Earlier this year, I read an article that was talking about the bios as
we currently know love is going to be replaced by some new system that
will be accessible from tools within the OS. This is because of the
16-bit restriction that currently exists in the bios, or so the article
was saying. If I have some time latter on today, I'll try to find the
article and post it here as another follow-up to this thread.

Steve Dawes
Phone: (403) 268-5527
Email: SDawes@calgary.ca



NOTICE::
This communication is intended ONLY for the use of the person or entity named above and may contain information that is confidential or legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient named above or a person responsible for delivering messages or communications to the intended recipient, YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that any use, distribution, or copying of this communication or any of the information contained in it is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by telephone and then destroy or delete this communication, or return it to us by mail if requested by us. The City of Calgary thanks you for your attention and cooperation.

RE: talking bios?

[igueths]

Well in that case, looks like they would be able to be included.

Original Message:
-----------------
From: Jared jared-stofflett@twmi.rr.com
Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2003 19:29:55 -0500
To: speakup@braille.uwo.ca
Subject: RE: talking bios?


The bios are going to grow huge in the next little while. I know bios with
over 100 megs are being worked on that will have diognostic stuff built into
them which can connect to the internet, I doubt speakup and braille tty will
push the space limit.

-----Original Message-----
From: speakup-bounces@braille.uwo.ca
[mailto:speakup-bounces@braille.uwo.ca]On Behalf Of Gregory Nowak
Sent: Monday, December 22, 2003 7:05 PM
To: Speakup is a screen review system for Linux.; igueths@comcast.net
Subject: Re: talking bios?


One thing you'd need to keep in mind here is the limited space in the ROM.

Greg



> ----- Original Message -----
>From: David Csercsics <aarg@shaw.ca
>To: igueths@comcast.net, "Speakup is a screen review system for
Linux."<speakup@braille.uwo.ca
>Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2003 09:13:55 -0800
>Subject: Re: talking bios?

>Yep this should be definitely done that is for sure! Talking BIOS would
rock. Maybe we should take it a step further and get a static BRLTTY as part
of the BIOS for deaf users who cannot use speech.


>_______________________________________________
>Speakup mailing list
>Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
>http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup


_______________________________________________
Speakup mailing list
Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup


_______________________________________________
Speakup mailing list
Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup

--------------------------------------------------------------------
mail2web - Check your email from the web at
http://mail2web.com/ .

RE: talking bios?

[Jared]

The bios are going to grow huge in the next little while. I know bios with
over 100 megs are being worked on that will have diognostic stuff built into
them which can connect to the internet, I doubt speakup and braille tty will
push the space limit.

-----Original Message-----
From: speakup-bounces@braille.uwo.ca
[mailto:speakup-bounces@braille.uwo.ca]On Behalf Of Gregory Nowak
Sent: Monday, December 22, 2003 7:05 PM
To: Speakup is a screen review system for Linux.; igueths@comcast.net
Subject: Re: talking bios?


One thing you'd need to keep in mind here is the limited space in the ROM.

Greg



> ----- Original Message -----
>From: David Csercsics <aarg@shaw.ca
>To: igueths@comcast.net, "Speakup is a screen review system for
Linux."<speakup@braille.uwo.ca
>Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2003 09:13:55 -0800
>Subject: Re: talking bios?

>Yep this should be definitely done that is for sure! Talking BIOS would
rock. Maybe we should take it a step further and get a static BRLTTY as part
of the BIOS for deaf users who cannot use speech.


>_______________________________________________
>Speakup mailing list
>Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
>http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup


_______________________________________________
Speakup mailing list
Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup

Re: talking bios?

[Gregory Nowak]

One thing you'd need to keep in mind here is the limited space in the ROM.

Greg



> ----- Original Message -----
>From: David Csercsics <aarg@shaw.ca
>To: igueths@comcast.net, "Speakup is a screen review system for Linux."<speakup@braille.uwo.ca
>Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2003 09:13:55 -0800
>Subject: Re: talking bios?

>Yep this should be definitely done that is for sure! Talking BIOS would rock. Maybe we should take it a step further and get a static BRLTTY as part of the BIOS for deaf users who cannot use speech.


>_______________________________________________
>Speakup mailing list
>Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
>http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup