One of the best things about Linux is that it can run on just about any basic computer hardware.
Desktops
There are versions for
hardware from Intel (and compatibles), PowerPC chips, Sun Sparcs, DEC Alphas,
and others. You don't need the latest and greatest system, either. Linux
is very modular; it can be stripped down to run on as little as a 386 with
150MB of disk space and 2MB of RAM (though you'll want more disk space,
processor power, and memory for running graphical desktops, development
tools, and so on). Some developers have even created useful Linux versions
that run off of a single floppy disk (the Linux
Router Project, for instance).
Laptops
Linux can also churn along
happily on many laptops, including most Apple PowerBooks, IBM ThinkPads,
and Toshiba Tecras. (You'll find a list of supported laptops, as well as
installation tips and tricks, at Linux
Online's laptop page.)
Odds are good that Linux
will run on your Intel (or compatible) system or Mac--at least on the base
hardware (motherboard, memory, and processor). The biggest problem you
may face is that you may not be so lucky with your peripherals.
