Can client hardware run Linux?
Scott Lowe
Published: 15 May 2002 09:58 BST
Monitors are a different story. Almost any monitor will work with Linux, and the Linux installer should detect the monitor during setup. If it doesn't, you will have an opportunity to specify its settings later on. At a minimum, you can set the monitor's vertical and horizontal sync ranges.
Modems and network adapters
Modems and network adapters can be particularly frustrating. If your organisation uses Winmodems, which are specifically designed to work with Windows, getting them working properly under Linux is difficult, if not impossible. You should seriously consider replacing such modems if your users need a working modem after your Linux migration.
Network adapters can also be a source of aggravation. Although most common network adapters work, their full range of functionality may not be supported. For example, features such as IPSec may not work. Also, before you make the switch, you should look at the vendor's Web site to see whether it has the proper drivers available. It has been my experience that most network adapters are automatically detected during system installation with the newer versions of Linux. I have recently installed a number of Linux machines with network adapters ranging from a Realtek-based unit to 3Com to Intel, and all work perfectly.
Motherboards
Many newer motherboards will work with Linux, but this is only a consideration if you are building your own systems. If your organisation purchases machines through a major vendor (Dell, Gateway, Compaq, and the like), you shouldn't experience any problems. As with the video cards and network adapters, however, it's best to play it safe and make sure that the motherboard either shipped with Linux drivers or that they're available for download.
At the same time, find the manufacturer of the IDE controller on the motherboard and attempt to find Linux drivers, if possible. If you try to install Linux on your machine and it is unable to find the drivers for the controller, consider an add-in IDE controller from this list from Steven Pritchard's Linux Hardware Compatibility HOWTO. Fortunately, most modern systems shouldn't have any problems.
CD drives
Both CD-ROM drives and CD burners, with the exception of USB models, are well supported under Linux. Check out this Web site for a comprehensive list of supported burners. If you have an internal CD-ROM drive or CD burner, you can be almost certain that it will work once you transition to Linux. If you have a USB burner, it will most likely not work at all.
Other hardware
Keyboards, mice, and other common devices such as floppy drives will work with little or no problem under Linux. You may have to do a little tweaking to get the mouse settings perfect, but with newer machines, these devices should not present a problem.
Summary
A few years ago, getting a Linux system up and running with full hardware support was a real chore. Today, that process is much easier thanks to better vendor and open-source support. As Linux makes bigger inroads on the desktop, hardware support will improve even more. If you are considering moving your Windows workstations to Linux, I hope that these tips will help you to determine how well your hardware will work.
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