Why Linux Isn’t Mainstream: Hardware

Let’s face it. Hardware compatibility sucks. For tech geeks it works with tweaking and that’s enough for us, but for the average user spending hours at the keyboard trying to get the monitor to work properly isn’t the way forward. This isn’t always the case, but can be, and contributes to the negative image Linux has.

That is, of course, only stating the current way of things, as this is likely to change in the future… at some point. For example, there is always the Linux Driver Project which offers free driver development for companies who are willing to release their hardware specifications. Or OpenPrinting which aims to help the printer situation under UNIX-like operating systems.

Then there is also the fact that there is no really easy to use database to check whether your computer will run Linux out-of-the-box. There is always the LiveCD but users are unlikely to understand this. And there is also the fact that some peripherals may not work at all. When buying peripherals, you need to scan the net endlessly to check prices, compatibility, features which are all limited to a certain scope when using Linux. By which I mean, hardware is likely to be old if it is compatible which means its likely to lack certain features which also means that by the time you can successfully use it with your computer you’re stuck with cheap hardware.

Now, in terms of databases to see what peripherals you can use I understand there is Linux USB Device Overview which is easy enough for a tech user who knows where to get the drivers and how to install them. But again, I’m thinking mainstream.

And for some of you who are a little less knowledgeable, you may be thinking hardware vendors could provide their own drivers on a CD. Well, I would think so too, but not with the current state of Linux binaries (which shall be covered at some other stage).