lynx-dev DOS: bundle the best

[Al Gilman]

to follow up on what Rick Roderick said:

> One dilemma we are facing is, do we recomend DOS and Lynx, even
> though it is not the latest, simply because some sites work
> better with.  Many of our consumers already have DOS screen
> readers.  What about new people who have never surfed the Net
> before?

I believe that for people who already have a DOS computer and
know how to operate a DOS screen reader, that a PPP account, an
offline mail reader, and the DOS port of Lynx are a reasonable
way to get started on the Internet.

Or it would be reasonable if it were easier to get the PPP
network installed and woring in DOS.  The people working in
adaptive technology need to put their heads together on best
practices for Internet from DOS and put together an easy-to-
install bundle of software that someone at this skill level can
install and run.  You can even include Bobcat for people with
286-class machines.  John Lewis can't do this by himself.  

The people who care to deliver direct service to these clients
should organize to pitch in.  They become the beta testers.  Do
some evaluations with Minuet, Pegasus, Eudora Lite, Pine etc.
Pick some and then beat on the installation process until it
succeeds for the real users most of the time.  The install should
be for the bundle.  I am saying that there will be a separate
mail routine because I am suspecting that Lynx will be the
selected browser.  If you can give lynx-dev detailed bug reports
or configuration questions, I think that you will get help.  But
lynx-dev is unlikely to develop an install package for dummies
for DOS.

Al