Newbee Linux user introduction

[Linux for blind general discussion]

Hello,

My name is Simon and I am from UK.

I have been a Windows and for 13 years a mac user.  I have no training in computer programming.  Whatever I do know , I have learnt as I went along.  I would like to give Linux a go, having failed a few years ago.  But I’m quite determined to learn.  I have just joined this group, and I would like to ask you to be patient with me as I may be talking nonsense or asking very basic questions.  The world of Linux is very new to me and I am still very much learning the concepts and terms other experienced users take for granted.

If you had any suggestions or pointers to any materials I might use to start, please help.  I understand from my research on the subject of Linux accessibility that CLI is the way to go.  I have no sight and I use speech as well as Braille.  I have just managed to install Debian 10.3 distro on an old laptop Dell inspiron 640, have successfully activated Orca during the installation and completed it.  I can’t yet determine whether I’m using gnome desktop or Mate, and if Gnome, whether it would be easier for me to use Mate , and if the latter is true, how I would install or choose Mate if it’s already installed.  I’m not quite sure yet either exactly what the difference between the two is.  I realize my Dell is 13 years old, and I will want to purchase a much newer second hand laptop as soon as I’ve saved for it.  This might enable me to install something different.  A friendly person on another list suggested tarch.  I am beginning to research Tarch and want to be ready to use it so if there are any documents that would help me understand how Tarch works after the installation, and whether I can install it without sight, please say.

Thank you for listening.

Simon