On Nov 12, 7:18*pm, Bob wrote:
Dan Richardson wrote:
On Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:24:01 +0000, Bob wrote:

can't understand the reluctance of the Americans to use Linux. *There has
been no real reason to use Windows for a long time (unless you want to play
games, but a PS3 is best for that). *Over here in Europe, Linux uptake
continues rapidly - as each new Windows virus or worm hits, ever more people
and businesses migrate.

Maybe it is because it can be very difficult, if not impossible, to
find necessary hardware drivers. Especially, if you have some of the
latest equipment models. I have found Linux to be more useful on older
computers as one is much more likely to find the necessary drivers.

For example have recently added a new HP all-in-one laser printer that
includes a scanner and FAX. I have it installed on a dual boot
(Linux/Windows XP) system. While I'm able to print with the Linux
system good luck trying to get the scanner and FAX working. That's
just one example. I have a litany of them.

Funnily enough, I have much the same, but found that HPLip handled printing
perfectly, and Xsane handled scanning. *Hylafax also works very effectively.
No difficult installation or configuration required with the /very/ latest
hardware - modern Linux distros have all that pretty much licked!

Just don't buy Canon or Lexmark gear - both companies /actively/ /discourage/
the development of Linux drivers.

Bob- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

For an everyday driver I do find putting together a computer using
Linux a bit of a hassle. However for a special purpose computer like a
server I prefer Linux systems. I guess Windows has become the WD40 of
operating systems, its useful for a lot of things but for most special
purposes yo ucan find something better.


Jimmie