5.1. Linux Won't Work with All My Hardware

One common "annoyance" is the literature that warns of dire consequences if you don't record every detail of your hardware before starting the installation process. You've probably installed Linux on a variety of computers. While you may never have had a problem with hardware, trouble does happen. For this reason, some Linux vendors, including Red Hat and Novell, do test and certify hardware components as well as entire systems. They offer more extensive support if you use such hardware. Even if you're using another distribution, their certified hardware is more likely to work reliably with Linux.

5.1.1. Classifying Hardware

Any A+ certified hardware technician can list the hardware components on a computer. A Linux geek can cite the compatible components, such as the chipsets associated with a specific wireless card. He can use this information to compile the most efficient kernel for his system.