Orca FAQ

Frequently asked questions for the Orca screen reader.

  1. What is the best distro for a user new to Linux and Orca?
  2. How do I check what version of Orca I am using?
  3. How do I build and install Orca from source?
  4. Where can I ask questions, report bugs, and find out more about Orca?

What is the best distro for a user new to Linux and Orca?

There is no single answer to this question that applies to all new users. One of the most important factors to consider is whether you can get personal support from an experienced Linux user. If so, they may be able to recommend a distribution that works best for your specific needs. If not, here are a couple of well-regarded options to consider:

Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a Linux distribution that can be run from a CD-ROM or USB drive, or installed directly to a hard drive. It includes built-in support for the Orca screen reader in its live CD/USB version, so you can try it out before committing to an installation. To try Ubuntu, follow the instructions on the Ubuntu website: Create a bootable USB stick on Ubuntu

Debian

Debian is a Linux distribution that also offers strong support for Orca. The Debian installer includes an accessible mode using a character-based interface and Speakup, a screen reader for text-based environments in Linux. After installation, the Orca screen reader is enabled by default. In other words, once Debian is installed, Orca should be working immediately.

How do I check what version of Orca I am using?

You may occasionally find it necessary to check what version of Orca you are using, especially after building it from source. To check which version of Orca you are using, open a terminal window and type:

orca --version

How do I build and install Orca from source?

To download, compile, and install Orca from source, do the following:

  1. Install needed packages. For a Debian system,the following packages may be needed:

    apt-get install python-gi-dev gettext itstool

  2. Download the Orca source code via git.

    git clone https://github.com/GNOME/orca

  3. A software build automation tool called Meson is used to build Orca from source. Change to the Orca source directory and use meson to build/ install Orca.

    cd orca
meson setup _build
meson compile -C _build
meson install -C _build

To install an Orca upgrade, do the following:

  1. Change into the Orca source directory and update the Orca source code. For example, if you originally downloaded the Orca source code in a folder named src in your home folder, you would do this:

    cd ~/src/orca/
get pull

  2. Rebuild and reinstall Orca.

    meson compile -C _build
meson install -C _build

Where can I ask questions, report bugs, and find out more about Orca?

The Orca screen reader has an active email support community. To join the Orca support email list, send a message to orca+subscribe@freelists.org.

You can browse past discussions in the mailing list archives here: Orca Mailing List Archives

For bug reports, feature requests, and source code, visit the official Orca project page on GNOME GitLab: 🔗 Orca on GNOME GitLab