matthewcraig
December 18th, 2007, 04:49 AM
When people complain about Linux hardware support, this is exactly what they're talking about. They're not talking about Linux supporting more architectures or processor types.
They're talking about buying new third-party hardware and knowing in advance (not risking) that it'll work with Windows. If it doesn't work with Windows with plug-and-play, the hardware vendor will almost certainly include a Windows driver CD with the product.
I have actually been thinking about this topic a lot these days, but I did not come to a conclusion until I read the above message. When Linux people say "hardware support", they mean the Linux kernel supports the hardware. When Windows people say "hardware support", they mean the hardware vendor supports the operating system.
While Linux supports a great many hardware devices, more than any other, it is not true more hardware manufacturers support Linux. I just realized the conflicting definitions of the word "supports" and how it causes problems with our conversations about Ubuntu.
I am not sure what would resolve the issue, but at least I can recognize the disconnect now. Anyone have any thoughts on the subject? Does Ubuntu need it's own computer parts store, like the Apple Store, where people know they can buy hardware that will work with Ubuntu? You can tell from my "sig" that I feel people should purchase hardware from companies that support Linux, but maybe there are additional ideas. How about a website that sells products branded with Linux support? LinuxCompatible (http://www.linuxcompatible.org/compatlist3.html) is great, but it doesn't offer the point-of-sale and Linux technical support. (And, so sorry about abducting your message to a new forum, aysiu!)
They're talking about buying new third-party hardware and knowing in advance (not risking) that it'll work with Windows. If it doesn't work with Windows with plug-and-play, the hardware vendor will almost certainly include a Windows driver CD with the product.
I have actually been thinking about this topic a lot these days, but I did not come to a conclusion until I read the above message. When Linux people say "hardware support", they mean the Linux kernel supports the hardware. When Windows people say "hardware support", they mean the hardware vendor supports the operating system.
While Linux supports a great many hardware devices, more than any other, it is not true more hardware manufacturers support Linux. I just realized the conflicting definitions of the word "supports" and how it causes problems with our conversations about Ubuntu.
I am not sure what would resolve the issue, but at least I can recognize the disconnect now. Anyone have any thoughts on the subject? Does Ubuntu need it's own computer parts store, like the Apple Store, where people know they can buy hardware that will work with Ubuntu? You can tell from my "sig" that I feel people should purchase hardware from companies that support Linux, but maybe there are additional ideas. How about a website that sells products branded with Linux support? LinuxCompatible (http://www.linuxcompatible.org/compatlist3.html) is great, but it doesn't offer the point-of-sale and Linux technical support. (And, so sorry about abducting your message to a new forum, aysiu!)