I build a few computers a year and repair quite a few more. I've recently decided to TRY and buy only Linux compatable gear.

However, I'm having a tough time finding what works and what doesn't.
Yes, I've googled and searched and found some (mostly outdated) blogs, but no central clearing house.

I'm not complaining, just trying to figure out what my strategy should be......Is there brand names that are valid, or just the various chipsets? MOBO mfg's that are Linux friendly? Wifi cards by name or just by model? Is there one strategy that might work for my decision?

I'm not a Linux geek, but will do what is needed to get the heck away from the M$Borg!

Any direction that might save me months of grief will be appreciated.

Check out the HCL here -- you'll find it in the top menu. Stands for "Hardware Compatibility List". May help you.

Second thing is that it's not hardware that's Linux compatible, it's Linux that's hardware-compatible. Hardware is not written for a specific OS (well, some winmodems tend to give that picture), it's just a bunch of metal, plastic and electric stuff that does something when electrified. Instead operating systems, drivers and the software in them are written to know how to operate the hardware. If a piece of hardware doesn't work, it's not because it wasn't made for Linux, it's because there isn't (yet) a working driver for it on Linux. That's why you can run Linux on devices that were not meant for it, like PSP or iPods for example.

aside from HCL and general google searching, i always check the newegg reviews for hardware i'm considering. sometimes a reviewer will specifically mention they've got it working in linux, then you know you're good to go.

EXACTLY what I mean. Are there some mfg's that do a better job of that than others? (releasing the code, for example or the device is so popular that it's done by Linux gurus).

Or perhaps, the real question should be is:

Is there a central clearing house for "known working drivers" for a specific piece of hardware before I buy it?

Yes, and thanks for the suggestion about newegg. I do that already, however, I wish newegg would allow a search based on Linux drivers.

Another point is that some mfg's *cheat* by claiming drivers exist, but they don't work, right?

Anyway, maybe that's a project I'll take on after I get back up to speed on Slack. I really loved that distro a few years ago. Maybe I can rekindle the fire.....