Same model, different device id. It happens.

No, that’s a marketing issue. Different device id == different model, technically speaking. Hardware makers won’t just alter a device ID for no reason at all.

There are tons more of device IDs out there that don’t work on Linux than those ones that do.

Perhaps, but [citation needed].

No, you can’t just use any random fingerprint reader which totally works on Windows.

First of all, no one is going out and buying random fingerprint readers - these are usually bundled as part of their laptop/desktop - in which case, it’s the buyer’s responsibility to verify Linux compatibility with that computer as a whole. You can’t expect to pop Linux into any random computer, or connect any random peripheral and just expect everything to work automagically. I mean, it does happen, but that’s generally with known good Linux hardware. Eg System76s, Frameworks, ThinkPads etc.

Also, even on Windows, a fingerprint reader doesn’t normally work out of the box - you’ll need to install the drivers for it to get it going (unless of course you’re using a Windows build provided out-of-the-box by the system manufacturer). Either way, it’s manufacturer’s responsibility to create and upload drivers, and it’s their responsibility to create a Linux driver. Otherwise it’s up to the community to create it, in which case you’re back to usual rule-of-thumb where you buy only popular hardware models with known good Linux support.

Perhaps, but [citation needed].

Ha, I mean if you think there are only 200 different device IDs for fingerprint readers, go ahead and believe that.

it’s the buyer’s responsibility to verify Linux compatibility with that computer as a whole.

That’s the exact problem.

You can’t expect to pop Linux into any random computer, or connect any random peripheral and just expect everything to work automagically.

Exactly, hobby project problems. I enjoy a good Linux computer hobby project but I also leave hobby projects in the hobby project section my life. When I want to get work done, I use the thing that lets me get work done.

Also, even on Windows, a fingerprint reader doesn’t normally work out of the box - you’ll need to install the drivers for it to get it going (unless of course you’re using a Windows build provided out-of-the-box by the system manufacturer)

(Most do, you can submit your driver to Microsoft to be included in the system update system.)

Either way, it’s manufacturer’s responsibility to create and upload drivers, and it’s their responsibility to create a Linux driver. Otherwise it’s up to the community to create it, in which case you’re back to usual rule-of-thumb where you buy only popular hardware models with known good Linux support.

Right, as hobbyists building drivers for their hobbyist’s projects.

Create a post

Gaming on the GNU/Linux operating system.

Recommended news sources:

Related chat:

Related Communities:

Please be nice to other members. Anyone not being nice will be banned. Keep it fun, respectful and just be awesome to each other.

  • 0 users online
  • 18 users / day
  • 139 users / week
  • 381 users / month
  • 1.43K users / 6 months
  • 1 subscriber
  • 722 Posts
  • 7.15K Comments
  • Modlog