Spring Into Linux

The Linux operating system is a collection of programs that run a computer. To perform its job, it needs to communicate with the computer hardware so that it can store information on the hard disk, display information on the screen, send data to the printer, and perform other tasks. Thus, Linux needs to know what type of hardware is on your system so that it can communicate with the hardware.

In the early days of Linux, the person installing the software needed to provide Linux with the hardware information it needed, which meant that the person needed to be knowledgeable about the hardware. Consequently, Linux developed the reputation of being difficult to install, not to be attempted by a novice. However, in recent times, this is no longer the case. Extensive hardware expertise is no longer required.

Recent Linux installation procedures can identify the hardware in your computer quite accurately by probing the computer. Occasionally, if your hardware is very unusual or very new, the installation procedure might not be able to recognize it. You can check any hardware for compatibility at the distribution Web site before you start the installation. Fedora, Mandrake, and SuSE maintain databases where you can search for your hardware to see whether it's compatible (hardware.redhat.com; cdb.suse.de/; www.linux-mandrake.com/en/hardware.php3).

You can be doubly prepared during installation if you gather information about your hardware, in case you need it. The best solution is to gather the manuals for your hardware, such as the manual for your monitor and modem. If you don't have the manuals, you can usually get the information you need in one of the following ways:

• From Windows: If you are installing Linux on a computer that already has Windows installed, you can find the name of your hardware from the Windows Control Panel. For instance, in Windows XP, go to Start->Control Panel-> Administrative Tools->Computer Management->Device Manager. You see a list of hardware on your computer. You don't need to know what all those things are. But, if you click modem or mice, it will list what kind of modem or mouse you have. If you double-click the specific modem name, it gives you a screen showing the properties of the hardware.

• From the Web: Go to the Web page for the hardware manufacturer, find the model that matches yours, and look at the specification page for the product.