Re: Hardware recommendations for a newbie.

Andy wrote:
Hi all.

Just a quick query about hardware compatibility with Linux distros...apologies if this has been done to death already, but googling provided links primarily to *.advocacy groups...

Basically I'm looking at buying a new PC to run both Linux (likely OpenSUSE) and WinXP. I've just enrolled to do a whole bunch of certifications - mostly MS based, but also the CompTIA Linux+ cert. I'm just not sure how to go about things. There's a monthly 'Computer fair' local to me where several vendors can build a box to specs, depending on what the customer wants (and obviously, what the budget allows) who can build what seems like a decently fast machine for around $500AUD.

What I'm not up to speed on is processors - AMD? Intel? Pentium? I'm only familiar with the Intel stuff from being a Mac user. Is there any consensus as to which components are best suited to running Linux with minimal hassles?

What I really don't want to run into is incompatibility problems with things like video cards etc - I need this to work with a 24" Acer LCD screen at 1920x1200. Neither wireless networking or printing will be required though.

My only prior experience with Linux is running a dual boot setup with Ubuntu/Mac OS 10.4 on my current computer - a G4 PowerMac. The display was never quite 'right' when booting into Ubuntu. If I can get a new, much faster system running reasonably cheaply I'll likely retire the Mac altogether.

Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Methinks one quick guide is to avoid anything but plain-vanilla hardware. The fancy stuff (ie all-in-one motherboards, USB dongles to create printer ports, etc.) all come with vendor supplied drivers. Usually, these are for Windows only (no doubt they'll soon be Vista only).
Without said drivers, the hardware doesn't usually work too well on Linux. The Linux distro people do a grand job putting up drivers where they can, but there's just too much proprietary hardware out there for them to cover it all.
.

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