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Re: Linux HW compatibility list 4 local products



At 11:06 PM 8/5/97 +0300, Ira Abramov wrote:
>On Tue, 5 Aug 1997, Peter Lorand Peres wrote:
>
>> I don't know how the HTMLized version of the list would work. Perhaps some
>> Java ? <G>
>
>if you still insist on doing it through some auto mechanism, I have
>hypernews installed, I meant you should write a few words about it and
>I'll post it under /local/ on the website.
>

I think that if you want to start this project, a simple catted file will
not do. I mean, if someone spells a device differently (e.g. "Soundblaster"
vs. "SoundBlaster" vs "SB") and we can have a pretty good mess. I suggest
an HTML forms+CGI interface with a nice device tree, as the minimum. Java
is also possible, but I don't think it's necessary, not to mention that it
is slower and can be used on fewer systems than HTTP forms. 

>in this specific case, I couldn't find Olivetti mentioned specificly, but
>since I have some background knowladge, I know 90% or more of the printers
>in the market stick to Epson/HP standards, so I just try them both (not
>only in Linux, in windows too).
>

Well, I remember I had a "Seikosha" ink-jet printer which was also
compatible with HP DeskJet 500. IMO, you are kind of opening Pandora's box
here, trying to list which device is compatible with which. While most
printers are compatible with some Epson/HP model, most sound-cards have an
emulation of SoundBlaster or SB Pro, most Ethernet adapters of 3Com or
NE2000, etc. (only Video adapters have a zero compatability record.) 

The best way, from the buyer's side is to ask the merchant if a certain
piece of hardware is compatible or can emulate one of the dominant models,
and then see if it's supported by Linux. Or, alternatively, ask for
hardware that support one of the models that Linux has drivers to (listing
them, of course). I'm not saying you shouldn't compile the list, I'm just
saying it would be a _lot_ of work and hassle, and nothing can ever be
fully automated.

BTW, a good place to start regarding sound card compatibity is the Inertia
Player, which is a MOD player for DOS. (check out
/music/programs/players/iplay122.zip at http://www.hornet.org/)
It comes with a long list of soundcards, and to which possible soundcard
selections one can configure the player, in order to use it with them. The
document can only be viewed with a DOS reader.

	Shlomi Fish



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Shlomi Fish                                Smart Link Ltd.
Home E-mail: shlomif@ibm.net               Work E-mail: shlomi@slink.co.il
Home Page: http://www.slink.co.il/~shlomi

"If I had not been insane already, I would have long ago driven myself mad."

                            The Enemy and how I Helped to Fight it.
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