LinuxWorld: Their own devices -- A look into the availability of device drivers and specs for Linux

"Desktop computer systems go for a song these days. Competition among the big retailers is fierce, and many add printers, scanners, and other peripherals to preconfigured Windows-based systems to sweeten the pot. But woe unto the adventurous bundle-buyer who decides to jettison Windows for Linux: chances are that nifty color inkjet printer will become a desk anchor and the scanner a doorstop. Such is the heartache of proprietary device drivers."

"The lack of device drivers presents a catch-22 to those who hope that Linux will join the desktop mainstream. Until Linux-curious users can be sure their system components will work, they may hesitate to take the plunge -- or may become intensely frustrated if they do. Meanwhile, the perception of some manufacturers that the Linux market isn't significant keeps compatible devices out of reach."

Complete story.

Related Stories:

• LinuxWorld: Opening the drivers -- A flood of new open source drivers may be on the horizon(Mar 02, 2000)
• PC World: When Linux Flunks [Device] Drivers Ed(Feb 04, 2000)
• LinuxPR: Libranet starts drive to bring more device drivers to Linux.(Dec 29, 1999)