The Linux Incompatibility List

Jonathan Lassoff writes "The Linux Incompatibility list is a wiki project that attempts to document hardware that is incompatible with Linux rather than list what is compatible. In the wiki, it is possible to add alternitives so as to push hardware manufacturers to make good binary drivers, publish specifications, or even better, publish open drivers."

Comments

I think they missed one...

[TiggertheMad]

"Bill Gates"

Need a unix desktop? Get a mac.

[xtal]

I've given up on desktop linux for now. Mac has hardware that works, and is a good compromise. If it says on the box it'll work, it works.

Linux is great on servers and embedded - a lifesaver in many cases. As soon as you need to do custom hardware integration, it's not worth the headaches. I'm in the process of a very ambitious project that requries high resolution digital imaging - linux isn't an option, there are no drivers period for any of the cameras. Hello, windows. Windows even works pretty good, focused on a single task.

For linux to get this, the best hope is devices that adhere to some sort of standard for interoperability with host PCs. I remember buying hardware and getting schematics, once upon a time, but I think those days are over.

Another possibility is the legislate any consumer device sold on the market must publish it's communication API. This seems unworkable, but it's how cars work now - and there are lots of people who would like to change this. (OBD) It's kind of funny; when framed in terms of cars, most politicians can understand the problem - they wouldn't want to be 0wn3d by GM after shelling out big money. Why should expensive computer hardware be any different?