Hardware Requirements
 

Why is understanding the hardware components of a computer is valuable for Linux installation? I thought Linux was compatible with just about all hardware.

Re: Hardware Requirements
 

Its not because most hardware manufacturers don't provide Linux drivers for their software.

Please excuse my stupid questions. I am new to Linux.

What would happen if I installed the software on hardware that does not support Linux? Couldn't I download the drivers?

Most 'common' hardware will have some sort of linux support.

• All modern Desktop CPUs (x86, x86-64, ppc, sparc, alpha, etc.) [This means all Pentium based, all AMD Athlon/Duron/Sempron based, all Macs (since G3)]
• All standard motherboards, though some on-motherboard hardware may not be supported.
• Almost all 10/100 network cards.
• All ATI and Nvidia graphics cards and those based on those chipsets, Intel chipsets, and other common chipsets.
• All IDE and SCSI hard drives, cdroms, and burners.

This is to just give you a general idea. There may (will) be a few exceptions to the above, but you get the general idea.

Some software may have official or third party drivers and others may not. It just depends what hardware it is. As mentioned above most common hardware will usually have some Linux support.

If you have a specific piece of hardware you know you will be using (or plan on buying), I'd recommend first going to that manufacturer's site to determine what level of Linux support they offer before you make any decisions. -- J.W.