SBL Systems
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Hardware compatibility
Why can't my current Scanner, network card etc. work on Linux?
Usually because the manufacturers have not provided the correct drivers and/or information to allow them to be written. One thing about the Linux community is that there is no shortage of people with the skills to get things working if they are given enough information.
Some manufacturers are starting to either provide drivers themselves or supporting third parties to provide them (most of which are available free).
There are many web sites that discuss compatibility issues, providing assistance to all levels of users trying to get things working.
If you are considering a new purchase, there are sites that provide compatibility information like:
Linux.com Feature
sane-project for scanners
linmodems.org for modems
Linux wireless org loads of wireless network drivers
to take the hard work out of buying and installing hardware.
If you are looking for hardware to perform a particular function, say video capture, it would pay to hang around the forums for the software you find to see what their hardware requirements are. The users there will fill you in on the most suitable, compatible hardware available for your requirements and Linux distribution, and if necessary, where to download and how to install any required drivers.
sane-project for scanners
linmodems.org for modems
Linux wireless org loads of wireless network drivers
to take the hard work out of buying and installing hardware.
If you are looking for hardware to perform a particular function, say video capture, it would pay to hang around the forums for the software you find to see what their hardware requirements are. The users there will fill you in on the most suitable, compatible hardware available for your requirements and Linux distribution, and if necessary, where to download and how to install any required drivers.