[dba-Tech] Linux compatibility testing

[John Bartow]

After all of the promotion that I've seen on this list from certain individuals, I decided that I'd start repurposing old PCs rather than recycling them. I know of so many lower income people that only want to check email, browse the web a bit and play some simple games like solitaire, etc. Now it appears the idea of installing Linux on old PCs for them is a bad idea. I would've thought the Linux community was more advanced than "trial & error" testing. I don't have the time to waste on trial & error testing.

When I look at the hardware compatibility lists I see nothing but an effort to sell higher end computers with Linux.

After following up on this idea, I'm just thoroughly disappointed. Apparently low end Windows PC do have a place in the world after all.

-----Original Message-----
From: dba-Tech [mailto:dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] On Behalf Of Jim Lawrence
Sent: Thursday, November 09, 2017 12:08 AM
To: Discussion of Hardware and Software issues <dba-tech at databaseadvisors.com>
Subject: Re: [dba-Tech] Linux compatibility testing

Today, there are few computers that are not compatible with Linux. 

Of course some of the brands specifically designed for a particular OS can have issues but if you are in doubt of one or another type of computer and/or one Linux distro just call Mr and Ms Google. Even some of the hardware that is not a hundred percent compatible has patches and fixes, that some bright boy or girl has engineered. 

There are people who have Linux running on Macs, Chrome Books and Windows Surface laptops but some of these installation are not for the faint-of-heart or complete novices. That said, it is far more difficult to find computers that can not run Linux. Dell is designing all their systems to be one hundred percent compatible with Linux systems. Some come preloaded.

There are of course issue with picking the distro OS that is compatible with computer type 32 or 64 bit and some distros no longer create new versions for 32 bit systems.

Bryan recommendation of running a new distro in live mode (off a DVD, USB stick, an ISO on the hard disk or off a PXE server) is a good recommendation. Virtually all Linux distro have the ability to choose between LIVE mode (non-destructive running in memory) and INSTALL mode.

Jim 

----- Original Message -----
From: "John R Bartow" <jbartow at winhaven.net>
To: "Discussion of Hardware and Software issues" <dba-tech at databaseadvisors.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 8, 2017 11:50:09 AM
Subject: Re: [dba-Tech] Linux compatibility testing

That's what I've been doing. It sucks.

Its an idea for a program to write.

Sent from my Windows Phone
________________________________
From: Bryan Carbonnell<mailto:carbonnb at gmail.com>
Sent: ‎11/‎8/‎2017 1:46 PM
To: Discussion of Hardware and Software issues<mailto:dba-tech at databaseadvisors.com>
Subject: Re: [dba-Tech] Linux compatibility testing

Here's what PC World says:
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2975800/operating-systems/how-to-find-out-if-your-pc-is-compatible-with-linux.html

In a nutshell, just boot to a LIveCD/USB version of Linux. If it works, then your hardware is compatible. If it doesn't then it may not be.

B

On 8 November 2017 at 14:29, John Bartow <jbartow at winhaven.net> wrote:
> Could anyone point me to a tool to determine if a device is compatible with Linux?
>
> I've been trying to load Ubuntu on some old pcs/laptops and am not getting too far. I end up with an Ubuntu logo on the screen and that's it.
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--
Bryan Carbonnell - carbonnb at gmail.com
Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "What a great ride!"
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