There are some PCs available that do not have Windows preinstalled but instead have SUSE as their operating system. What is the likelyhood that the
hardware in these computers is also compatible with other Linux distros or MS Windows and all they need is their regular installation procedure

If a computer works well with a KNOPPIX CD, is that a reliable indication that it will work with other Linux distros?

Trying to get answers from tech support results in a stock answer " We cannot support anything but the installed operating system"

In most cases, if one works on one machine, its going to work on another. Some might be bundled with some proprietary drivers only for that distro, but in most cases this isn't the case.

When buying new hardware, always check the HCL's to ensure total compatibility.

Like our http://www.linuxquestions.org/hcl/index.php which is starting to get bigger and bigger with more products compatible with Linux.

Regards.

Yes, that's an excellent idea (and I'll be putting up another as soon as I scratch down the model # again. Perhaps my profile should include Linux hardware tester too, as I have tried a lot of varied stuff.