Hardware compatability

[darkone20]

Hi, all.

I am new to linux and wish to use Red Hat 8 on a laptop machine, and need to know if there is a list of all the hardware that is currently supported.

Thanks

[tlyons]

1. Why Red Hat 8.0?
2. What laptop model?
3. Did you try searching http://www.google.com/linux ???
4. http://www.redhat.com/docs/manuals/linux/RHL-8.0-Manual/

- T.

[je_fro]

these are better:
http://www.linuxcompatible.org/compatibility.html
http://hardware.redhat.com/hcl/index.cgi?pagename=hcl&view=allhardware#form

[bwkaz]

Originally posted by tlyons
1. Why Red Hat 8.0? ... in other words, why not Fedora Core whatever's-the-latest?

You'll have much better luck as far as hardware compatibility goes if you use the newer kernel that Fedora comes with.

[darkone20]

Hi, all.

I'm using Red Hat 8 because it is the latest one I have, but am now looking to get something else.

The computer is a Compaq 2548AL Laptop. The problem I can see is that it has a Conexant AC-Link modem/sound card in it. Does anyone know anything about it?

Also has a Radeon IGP 345M video card in it. Any ideas?

The rest of it seems OK.

Thanks

[Satanic Atheist]

Not too sure on the hardware, but AFAIK, Compaq are better supported under Linux than Dell (which contains proprietary hardware for specifically supporting Windows).

As for the Distro, I recommend you get hold of Debian. I'm moving to it simply because the Apt-Get program structure is far too useful to consider any other distro! Especially if you have broadband.

If you don't have broadband, I recommend UseLinux (http://www.uselinux.net) which I use to get all my distros whenever I don't have broadband, are on a limited or private network or (now) stuffed by capping. The guy is cheap and reliable and he even does some funky case badges!

Anyway, If you're unsure about Linux, try Knoppix or another Live CD which will help determine if hardware is supported. If everything seems to work (video, audio, PC-Card etc) then you know that it will with a solid Linux install. This is a great way to test a system before committing yourself. You can even use a USB Pen Drive to store configuration settings!

James

[hlrguy]

What is the laptop model. Google for Compaq 2548AL, zero hits. Here is a page you need to see.
http://www.linux-on-laptops.com/compaq.html

I have a connexant modem in my laptop, Suse 9.2 came with the "free" driver that will connect at 14.4, however, you have to pay for the "full" version of the driver.

http://www.linuxant.com/drivers/?PHPSESSID=f618b9ec3c68d38c7fcb27d819a5bac8

# a free version (limited to 14.4Kbps data), available at no cost. Please use it to test if your hardware is compatible.
# a full version (with 56K and FAX), available for a modest price.

It is $14.95. I didn't bother. Before blowing away Windows, I could never get better than 42K. Using same phone line, external modem, 57.6 every time.

I can recommend a newer distro. SLP 9.2, flawless operation for sound, lan, modem (14.4) display with acceleration, etc. First things first, or my SOP, download knoppix, stick it in and see what happens on boot.

hlrguy

[nordinaryspider]

First things first, or my SOP, download knoppix, stick it in and see what happens on boot.

If you're a dial-up user, you can try these:

Damn Small Linux (http://www.damnsmalllinux.org/)

Puppy Linux (http://www.goosee.com/puppy/)

Austrumi (http://cyti.latgola.lv/ruuni/index_en.html)

They are all under 50MB and all very different. Try more than one Live CD to find out which works best on your hardware as well as which you prefer.