Letter to Ability Magazine on Terminal Servers

From ITCH

In reponse to Abi James Article on the problems of TS with Dyslexia software.

Abi James' comments on the problems of using accessibility software with Terminal Server solutions seem particularly relevant now that Becta are supporting the use of Open Source software and Linux in schools. One of the main ways that the large savings claimed for outlay and administration can be made is to use Linux Terminal Server products such as LTSP.

Many of the problems mentioned are likely to apply equally to LTSP. In addition many of the popular AT software applications do not yet work with Linux. However when Open Source AT software becomes readily available the license issues will disappear as Open Source can be copied freely.

Open Source communities usually respond rapidly to requirements but there is currently limited attention on AT issues. The recent Becta report on Open Source in schools means that there is more demand. In addition Open Source allows AT developers themselves to add the support they need to Linux Distributions so as to provide the best solution for users. We can therefore expect Open Source support of AT to improve.

What is needed is a standard API for AT devices to use that works on Linux, LTSP, Windows and Terminal Services. Possible variations include using X Windows or making LTSP work on Windows. Microsoft recently announced a new Accessibility API but it is unlikely to work with Terminal Servers or be accepted outside of Windows and the License terms are not clear.

One final comment is that Abi mentioned installing AT software on the Client PC. This is not an option if the terminal is a true thin client device or a very low spec machine and not a full workstation PC. Such terminals are, after all, one of the main reasons for using Terminal Servers and allow cost savings

Steve Lee

steve at fullmeasure dot co dot uk
http://fullmeasure.co.uk