Linux Peripheral Compatibility
When you use Linux, you get used to not being able to walk into any electronics store assuming that anything you buy will work with your system. While Linux has made great strides the being compatible with ever larger numbers of computer peripheral devices, the nature of how Linux works means that you still need to read up on a device's compatibility with Linux before you buy it.
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Drivers and the Linux Kernel
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Every distribution of the Linux operating system is built on top of something called the "Linux kernel." This kernel is the software that contains all the code for interacting with the different hardware components of a computer, from the motherboard to various peripherals, and provides the interface through which an operating system interacts with these components. The code for interacting with a particular hardware component is also called a "driver," and if a Linux system is to be compatible with a particular piece of hardware then its kernel must contain the code for its driver.
Basic Peripherals
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The Linux kernel contains the code for most common peripherals that connect through Universal Serial Bus ports. These include mice, keyboards and printers. Although the Linux kernel contains the code for using the basic keys on a keyboard, basic mouse movement, and detecting both right and left mouse clicks, it may not support some specialized functions. These include keys on gaming keyboards designed to accept in-game macros, and programmable keys on high end mice. Such features are usually enabled by installing operating system specific drivers coded by the manufacturer. Companies do not usually release these advanced drivers for Linux.
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Screens
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When it comes to computer screens, Linux compatibility is not determined in reference to the screen itself. Screens connect to the computer through a graphics card. Consequently, Linux must be compatible with the computer's graphics card for it to be able to send image data through it to the screen. Users can consult the X.org website to see if a particular graphics card will work with Linux.
Advanced Peripherals
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Linux compatibility with more advanced peripheral devices can be less consistent. The Linux kernel can mount most digital cameras that connect through a USB port as an external hard drive, allowing users to import or delete pictures directly from the device's memory. There is no consistent rule for compatibility when it comes to more sophisticated devices such as Web cameras with integrated microphones. Before Linux users buy such as device, they can consult the forums and community documentation for their distribution to see if a particular device will work out of the box, or if there are instructions for getting the device to work.
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