Vinux was a Linux distribution which was specially designed for blind and partially sighted users.[2][3][4][5] Specifically it was a remastered version of the Ubuntu distribution and provided users with two screen readers, two full-screen magnifiers, global font-size and colour changing facilities. The system also supported USB Braille displays.

Vinux
OS familyLinux (Unix-like)
Working stateDiscontinued
Source modelOpen source
Latest release5.1[1] / 18 January 2017; 7 years ago (2017-01-18)
Marketing targetVisually impaired
Update methodAPT
Package managerdpkg
Platformsi386 and x86-64
Kernel typeMonolithic (Linux)
UserlandGNU
Default
user interface
Unity, previously GNOME
LicenseMainly free software licenses
Official websitehttps://vinux.org.uk (archived)

Vinux was originally developed in 2008 by Tony Sales, Technical Support at the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford, United Kingdom.[6] It was first listed on DistroWatch on 1 June 2010 as Vinux 3.0.[7]

Features

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Vinux allowed blind and visually impaired computer users to install a version of Ubuntu independently. It included Orca (a screen reader and magnifier), Speakup (a console screen reader), Compiz (a magnifier based on 3d technology), and support for Braille displays. Braille displays operate automatically when connected and support grade 1 and 2 Braille. Vinux could run from a live CD or live USB without making any changes to a current operating system. It could be installed to a USB or hard drive alongside a current operating system or as a complete replacement.[8]

References

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  1. ^ release_announcement_5.1 [Vinux Project Wiki]
  2. ^ Vinux Enhances Productivity for Visually Impaired Users | Reviews | LinuxInsider
  3. ^ Ubuntu-Based Vinux Linux 5.1 Released for Blind and Partially Sighted People, Softpedia News
  4. ^ 8 Linux distros for blind and disabled | Opensource.com
  5. ^ 5 Lesser Known Ubuntu Based Distro You Have Not Heard Of, MakeTechEasier
  6. ^ "Royal National College for the Blind: Vinux for the visually impaired". Excellence Gateway. Learning and Skills Improvement Service. 22 October 2009. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 11 August 2010.
  7. ^ "Vinux". DistroWatch. Retrieved 5 December 2019.
  8. ^ Download Vinux 5.1, Softpedia Linux
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