Suggestion for multi-function printer/scanner was Re: TWO QUESTIONS

[G Williams Webmaster Ubuntuvoice.com]

F. Rodriguez wrote:
> That's why I mentioned linuxprinting.org - to be checked *before* 
> buying any printer. Specifically:
> http://openprinting.org/printer_list.cgi Is indicates your printer being "mostly" supported:
> http://openprinting.org/show_printer.cgi?recnum=HP-LaserJet_1018
>   
Thanks for your wisdom.  

But lets be clear. I bought the printer as a windows printer.   I did 
check the hardware list and it says if you read it,  that its supported 
*somewhat* in edgy not in Dapper.  Leads me to my comment about I really 
don't need printer full time and why a non elegant workaround suits me 
fine.

I installed the cups driver and its detected in Dapper now and runs via 
samba from my wife's windows machine.

I think your confusing me for the person who wrote the original 
comment.   I was just throwing out a work around and some opinions.    I 
am checking hardware compatibility quite a bit more for sound recording 
and the like.  

The good thing to note is that most of the older hardware works.   I 
mean for me that would mean a multichannel audio card that someone is 
practically giving away on Ebay or a couple of soundblasters.

I learned about the hardware compatibility thing when I decided my 
efforts were going to be mostly in Linux so I dual booted with windows 
until I could test out my hardware.   The first problem was the ATI 
driver.   I felt like someone had turned out the lights.   Finally got 
that going,   then messed around with ubuntu,  kubuntu,  xubuntu. 

I was even considering other distros at one point.   Heck,  I did not 
want to compile kernels for realtime or latency.   It turns out if your 
running a lot of live effects and multi channel,  yeah,  well fine.   
Otherwise the little projects I run,   just fine using audacity and some 
plugins.

The point I am getting to is consider not only the hardware but the 
advice.    I could be still searching to figure out what ALSA supports 
and does not.   Some of the stuff there is a little obtuse and requires 
interpretation.    You end up needing help for the help you just got.   
Speak English or whatever it is you speak,   forget geek for a moment 
please.

I checked out the hardware compatibility.   For most of the stuff I am 
interested in Linux does just fine.   It burns CDs,  my scanner is 
working,  I got the printer to run - somehow,  but mostly I know that I 
can get a $40 soundblaster and start recording with it - should I have 
the work.   In the meantime my USB headset works well enough for testing 
and I don't need to hook up my sound board or my mics just yet.  

I am toying with using quality USB soundcards that look like pen drives 
in place of a multichannel card.   For playing live I intend to get a 
couple of cheap used computers,   and should one go dark on me,   give 
up,   I pull the sound cards from it,  fire up my back up machine and 
leave my wires in place on the soundboard.   I haven't come to a final 
conclusion,   but seems worth a try. 

So the first thing I did was check hardware,   and its the reason I 
decided on linux.    I can run sound for Dj work for far less than what 
the applications cost me in Windows.  (Mixmeister $299 USD)   My 
soundblaster xfi that I ordered with the main computer I use,   my Dell, 
will probably have support by April or so they are saying.   Since I am 
not running my machines for live work yet,   I am keeping an eye on the 
situation.

When ubuntustudio comes out,   I will probably have made my choices.    
Your right though.   You should know your options.