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Monday, May 28, 2012

Linux Hardware or Hardware Supported By Linux: ch. 2

Today computer is a necessary attribute of our life. Computers are evolving rapidly and we cannot keep it up-to-date. Hardware, software, new technologies and operating systems. One thing we want is to use our computer and its hardware fully and with all the advantages.

It's nice if you have money and can buy apple or Microsoft products and if you really enjoy them - I don't worry about you. But there are other operation systems mainly based on the Linux kernel: GNU/Linux, Unix and BSD families.

If you try using them, you may have another problem: hardware support. Not everyone writes Linux drivers for his nice devices. What a pity...

So, the best(only) way to use all the advantages of your computer's hardware under Linux is to buy one with already supported hardware. It's clear for everyone, I suppose. But HOW!? can I know that computer will work for sure before buying it?
Google may help us, but it's not that good... It's pretty difficult to be 100% sure. They say: "Almost All new laptops work fine with Ubuntu."

IMHO, The keyword here is almost. I shan't be excited if you have one or another problem with running Linux on your computer. I will be incredibly glad to hear all your hardware is working fine! May I ask you of sharing your experience with me?

A piece of my own experience
+ I own an old Acer Extensa 5220.
 - I remember I had a problem with the card reader, I was not able to use a Sony Memory Stick even after installing a third-party driver.
 - I had a problem with the microphone, it produced a lot of noise.

+ I bought an HP 625 this summer cause I found it here with "five TUXs" rating.
 - Microphone is still producing some noise, but it is much better.

+ I have also a custom desktop computer.
 - I have no sound.

+ I know people having great problems with
 - having two graphical cards and being not able to use both of them
 - having no sound

I must admit that the things are getting better each day
And my last search session was very fruitful.
Google or DuckDuckGo "linux computer", "linux laptop".

Check it out for sure! http://linuxpreloaded.com/

Very useful links:
Ubuntu Certified hardware Homepage
Ubuntu Desktop/Laptop/Netbook certified hardware
Component catalog, parts certified by Ubuntu
Linux Laptops on LinuxCertified.com
Hettes.nl Open Source Webshop

Perhaps useful links:
Linux-drivers.org - Linux Hardware Compatibility Lists & Linux Drivers
Linux Hardware Compatibility HOWTO
Hardware Devices that Support GNU/Linux — Free Software Foundation — free as in freedom
Is my hardware Linux-compatible? Find out here | Linux.com
Supported Hardware | Linux Journal

PS: If you want a Linux laptop, I would advice Dell, Lenovo or HP. But! there is so much new to try in this world! Be brave to check out something new and share it with the others!