[SWLUG] Re: Starting with Linux -- linux hardware db

[pbhj]

It might help to know about the linuxquestions.org 
<http://www.linuxquestions.org/hcl/index.php> database ("HCL") of 
computer hardware? ... there are a few of these around if you google 
<http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=linux+compatibility+database&meta=>for 
them. RedHat / Fedora (and IIRC Mandrake) have good ones, though last 
time I looked they seemed a bit sparse.

Also a technique I have considered is to start from a spec (eg those 
listed at ebuyer.com, which is great for cheap parts BTW) and then adapt 
and expand as necessary. That way your not worried about physical 
compatability of your mobo and case  or whatever.  Often 
reviews/comments at ebuyer (or your e-tailer of choice) will indicate 
linux compatibility too.

Alternately, if you post the spec that you're after then perhaps folk 
here with a similar spec can give details of there setup?

I think, as has already been hinted in Mikey's post, that you'll have 
most trouble finding a cheap linux compatible modem that doesn't require 
proprietary (ie paid for) drivers.

HTH

pbhj

Telsa Gwynne wrote:

>On Wed, Jan 19, 2005 at 12:13:46PM -0000 or thereabouts, Michael Parker wrote:
>  
>
>>I would echo the views that buying a computer and installing linux from
>>scratch is the way forward.
>>    
>>
>
>Way forward to achieve what, exactly?
>
>Perhaps he just wants a working computer.
>
>I am going to go against the prevailing wisd^W opinion here. 
>If you just want to use the computer to do something, why do 
>the instal at all? I used Unix for years and years before I
>ever ventured to install Linux, and I'd say the using helped
>with the install immensely. Debian is famously the "do the 
>install once, run for ages" distro. According to half the 
>Debian proponents I meet, anyway. Have things changed?
>
>And if the original poster has done his research well enough
>to decide that Debian is best for him, perhaps he's also come
>to the eminently sensible conclusion (IMO) that the Debian
>installer is not a good introduction to running a box.
>
>You do not need to install a computer to learn how to run it.
>
>If he just wants to run it, "please, someone, put Debian on it
>for me" seems absolutely a good way to start. 
>
>And all everyone here is doing is saying "Ooh no, you don't
>want to do that". Perhaps he does.
>
>Hugh, ignore 'em. I am not the world's best PC builder, but
>if you have the bits and don't want to put them together, I
>can have a go. If you decide on the distro in advance, it
>should easily be possible to pick hardwave which is not only
>known to work with Linux but known to work with that distro.
>
>I will even venture through the Debian installer. I have
>survived it a few times. Although I may bring Fedora CDs
>as a backup. 
>
>And then the rest of the LUG can sit back and tell us both
>where we went wrong. They're the computer professionals.
>
>Telsa
>
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>
>  
>
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