I want to switch from Windows XP to Linux, but I am scared that my computer hardware is compatibale with Linux or not, It is important. So where can I find a simple program ran in XP to check my hardware and tell me the truth ??

Thanks

You can look in Start>>All Programs>>Accessories>>System Tools>>System Information

This will show you most of the stuff you have. It doesn't always recognize all the hadrware, but there is really no way to know exactly what you have without popping the box. As for Linux support - once you know what hardware you have, you could check the HCL on this site, post it here and ask us to evaluate it, etc... In general, there is no cause for concern. I have successfully installed Mandrake and Slackware on every machine I've tried them on. Besides, you don't need to remove Windows in order to install a Linux system. In other words, you can have a working system while you try it out.

get aida32 http://www.majorgeeks.com/download181.html which will tell you exactly what's in your computer. Wether or not this is compatible you'll have to check yourself. With most recent desktop systems the only issues occur with the video and sound cards.

................or you could ask Linux to do it.

Get knoppix, Morphix, Mepis, Mandrakemove, Slax, Gnoppix, DSL,Suse Live-eval, or any other live-cd Linux. Pop it in your hard drive and see if it loads up. If it works, you're cooking with gas! If you don't like it anymore, remove the cd and reboot into your Windows. No harm done 'cos it runs from the cd.

IMO, if you ask Windows to do a Linux check for you, its like asking Sprint PCS to check and see if you'll be able to use AT&T Wireless, or asking Toyota if they can check to see if you'll be able to use a Chevrolet. Just a thought.

If you have a dialup modem, that's the only thing that might hold you back - but many are supported now. Good luck.