THE PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND

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Accessibility Information for the three most common Computer Operating Systems:

Number one in use, though perhaps not number one in popularity is Microsoft Windows. Windows continually demands more and more hardware upgrades, software upgrades (and updates) and specialty hardware which of course keeps making computers more and more expensive. Microsoft keeps upgrading from one version to the next and tries to keep programs backward-compatible but fails occassionally. Windows also has some regular and serious operational and security problems which they address regularly with software updates.
How to optimize the Windows systems for accessibility.

The next OS in common usage is the Mac. Mac also continually upgrades and tries to keep it's sources compatible and comparable to Microsoft's programs and features. Mac is much more secure than Microsoft, but through it's efforts to stay compatable with Microsoft, it also leaves a few security holes open.
How to optimize the Mac system for accessibility.

The next OS in common usage is Linux.
There are several specialty distributions under the Linux GNU system. Some distributions are aimed at scientific usage, others are best for educational uses and there are others aimed at providing a prime environment for computer programming including designing and of course, playing games. There are also distributions that are aimed at general desktop and laptop users with applications and programs geared for full-fledged office functionality that competes with the best that either Windows or Mac can offer. There are even several commercial grade office programs for doctor's offices, design shops, and others that are free. Another very good feature of all of the Linux distributions is security. There are few viruses that can attack Linux and there are few scripting and macro hacks which will attack Linux. A couple very light-weight but fully functional anti-virus programs are available as well as several firewall programs to keep a Linux system buttoned up safe and secure.
How to choose and optimize a Linux distribution for accessibility and your computing needs.

And for those websites that you just can't read or navigate no matter how much you play with your preferences …

Your feedback to an organization can help improve the accessibility of their websites for you and many other people who use the websites. Website owners have many priorities for changes and improvements, and the more an organization hears about accessibility from people who use their website, the more likely it is that accessibility will become a higher priority. Click here to find out how positive feedback is useful, as well as critical feedback and what information from you is critical for your comments to be understood and fully considered.