From your post just above:
I think you have to look at what your intentions are 'from a manufacturers perspective'. Take the Canon product above for example. It cost about $ 1000. When I looked for printers with 'individual' cartridges, this was the lowest price one I found, as I recall. But I also found other printers for single cartridges that were more expensive like in the several thousand price range.
Take a look at this Wikipedia page entitled 'Linux kernel' :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_kernel Look to the right at the Linux Penguin Box, and, specifically the following:
(1) Latest stable release 3.10 (30 June 2013; 9 days ago) [±][2]
(2) Latest unstable release 3.10-rc7 (22 June 2013; 17 days ago) [±][3]
Evidently, some Linux software that was quite good, workable, etc. and some that had some 'unstable' problem (s).
Linux is written thru a world wide co-op of individuals and developers, as best I can understand. I assume the software writers/developers do their best to be sure the software is compatible with existing hardware.
My suggestion regards the Canon printer mentioned above is that you call Canon regarding their printer and get their explanation regards 'any guarantee' that their products will be guaranteed to work with Linux software.
Bottom line is that the 'reverse' is probably true. I assume Linux must be 'so written' that it will work with any computer peripheral, but preferably 'definitely' written for computer peripherals that meet the ATX standard.
Here is the url for the Canon printer I make reference to:
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/profes...Specifications
OS Compatibility: Windows 8, Windows Vista®, Windows XP, Windows 7 .. and .. Mac OS® X v10.4.11 to v10.8.x6
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It is fair to assume that both Microsoft and Mac rigidly adhere to a logical set of specifications anytime they release any document to the public.
Any company or individual that writes software or manufacturers a 'computer product' for general consumption should always endeavor to know 'for a fact' that the ATX standard is met (general desktop, office, etc type computers). Computers for use by US Military have to meet 'military specifications'.
Here is the url for the ATX specification:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_kernel
Take a look at this url for Contact Linux:
https://www.google.com/search?q=Cont...hrome&ie=UTF-8
Perhaps you can get a more definitive explanation from someone at one of these Linux contact numbers or addresses ! ! !
Hope the above helps ! ! !
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