Linux compatible hardware?

Question

Hi there,

Could you please recommended me places where I can buy linux compatible hardware online? I'm looking for a printer right now, but advice on any kind of hardware would be helpful. I'd be especially happy to find a linux-only online store.

Answer 1

This link is a hardware Linux compatability list. A work in progress....

Answer 2

For Linux remember this one thing:

HARDWARE based printer
HARDWARE based modem

During the winslease rise certain companies decided in order to make products cheaper they would use the processing power of the main processor to operate things like modems, hence "winmodems" and printers aka "winprinters."

Prior to that these devices all had their own little mini processors called a microcontroller inside. This lead to huge problems especially with winmodems not connecting, or slow speeds, or dropping connections as the processors couldn't keep up.

For printers just remember to look to see that is has a HARDWARE based PCL or Postscript support. You will commonly see this as Printer Lanquage or similar on the specifications. Most of the multi function devices (fax, printer, scanner, copier) are all winprinter devices and will not work with Linux only winslease. If you look at HP printers and most Lexmarks that are above $99 you will find printers compatible with Linux.

A good site to know if your printer is compatible is:
http://www.linuxprinting.org/

I am not aware of any "linux only" stores. You just need to be careful when selecting items like printers, modems, and wireless cards. Most of the other hardware is pretty well suporrted by Linux.