Re: [tlug] Need purchasing advice for a linux compatible desktop

[Jim <jep200404@example.com>]

Joseph Essertier wrote:

> Hello. I need to start working at home, so I'm in the market for a
> GNU/Linux compatible desktop and I'm wondering if there is an easy way
> to find one. It does not need to have Windows on it, but that would be a
> plus.

Start here: http://www.google.com/search?q=linux+hardware+compatibility

Name brand boxes will have more compatibility issues because of 
the proprietary lock-in games they play. The best way to go is to 
start with a name brand motherboard and build your own box. 
However the brand name boxes usually work anyway. 

Use Knoppix to check out driver compatibility of a box before you 
buy it. 

> Here are some other things I'd like to be able to do (my wish list)
> 1. Use my printer with it (Canon Pixux iP4100). 

What research have you done about using your printer with Linux? 

> 5. A keyboard that is easy on fingers that do a lot of typing

This is highly subjective. Nonetheless, look at: 

   http://www.pfu.fujitsu.com/hhkeyboard/

Don't even think of whining about the price. 
Also consider old buckling spring IBM keyboards, such as: 
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=9708215547

> ... I found some people saying that they had had trouble getting 
> some of the [Dell] hardware to work in Ubuntu/Debian. ...
> Is there a sure way to tell? 

Yes, try it. 

> Is this where Knoppix comes in handy, 

Yes, very much so. 

> and one goes to the store with a Knoppix live CD in hand, and actually boots
> up a model computer with the CD?

Yup. That's what I've done after clearing it with the store folks. 

> I saw a bare-bones "box" (?) being sold very cheaply at a computer store
> for something like 25,000 yen--just the computer, with no screen,
> keyboard, or mouse; or with any OS installed on it. 

No name boxes are usually among the most compatible. 
However very cheap boxes might cut enough corners to cause you other grief. 

>... he was going to install
> Linux on it. Is that something that a beginning Linux user like me
> should attempt? 

Yes. 

> And buy the screen separately?

It doesn't matter. 

> Any advice about where to go or what decision making process to go
> through would be appreciated.

Google is your friend.