Re: Hardware recommendations for a newbie.

On Sat, 19 Apr 2008 16:39:11 +1000, 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?

Yes. All three plus VIA. Linux runs on virtually every major CPU platform.
You may not know, but there were versions which ran on the PPC platform as
well.


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.

None.


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.

Boot a Live CD on a system like what you want, if there is any question.
.