My mum recently bought an ASUS EEE PC with linux operating system. The salesman also sold her a canon pixma mp210 and said it would work with the computer. When she asked me to install it I thought it would work as a plug and play and the drivers would install automatically when plugged in. This did not work. The printer was also not listed in the available printer list. The salesperson said that the computer was windows compatible. Does this mean that windows based applications can be loaded on or does this mean that windows os can be loaded on if linux is taken off. I guess what I really want to know is can I use the windows printer installation disc to install the printer? I have had no experience whatsoever with linux so I am in the dark. Can anyone help. I have also posted this on the linux forum in the hope that someone can help. Thank you.If the EEE is running Linux, the salesman ought to be ashamed.

Certain brands of Linux are sophisticated enough to install printers now, but an install on a Linux system usually takes a bit of work.

I've only been in front of an Asus EEE once. I liked what I saw, but I was told by the owner that the version of Linux was pretty basic.

I was at the Asus site earlier, trying to find more information about all this, but have not yet found it.

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OK, I'm back, and more idiotic than ever!

If it's a Windows systems, salesman should still be ashamed. Yes, many, many DEVICES plug and play on Windows, because (for all Microsoft's faults) they've done a pretty good job of keeping up with drivers for devices, but there are so many different printers, and other devices, that Windows can't automatically run them all. The salesperson should have known better than to make a "blanket" statement that the printer would plug and play.

DEPENDING UPON THE VERSION OF WINDOWS ON THE ASUS COMPUTER, the Windows Vista/XP/2000 driver can be downloaded HERE.

There was no Linux driver for that model Pixma. HERE is some information about Linux compatibility with certain printers.

In the meantime, it's time for salesman-of-the-year to step up and make good on his word, or exchange the printer for something more compatible. (I'm not as Linux-knowledgeable as I want to be, but as a very GENERAL rule, I like HP printers for compatibility with Linux.)

In the meantime, I put out an e-mail to the person whom I know that has ONE of these and see what he did for printing.

I do not believe the Linux operating system will load the Windows driver.

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My contact writes back that he was able to run his printer plug-and-play to GNU/Linux.
Do not feel badly -- I am almost certain he's using an HP printer, and am double-checking with him now.Thank you for your help. I really appreciate you going to so much trouble. I have been to canon site etc. I have even sent a message off to asus but have had no response yet. I talked to my mum this afternoon and she said she may take it all back even the asus. She is so disappointed. I feel like I have failed her in advising her as I went with her to ask the questions she didnt know to ask. She is 72 years old and not very computer literate (yet). So thanks again for your help. The Asus is a great little system in terms of portability and durability; however, your mom might be better off with a more conventional laptop that runs WinXP or some such, and has a built-in CD-ROM, etc. I still blame the salesperson -- really, I do.

Linux is much, much better at plug and play than it was even a few years ago, as the open-source development community scrambles to produce driver software that runs all the printers and so forth that are out there.

I do not consider myself expert, but I would've steered you to a basic HP printer; yes, the all in ones are lovely -- I probably would've tested the product line I had for sale to know which printers work with GNU/Linux.

I don't blame your mom for returning everything, but I'd like to see the issue resolved with another printer.Hi Aegis

Thank you again for your comments. I agree whole heartedly with you. It was the salesman's fault. My mum hasn't taken the computer or printer back as yet. She is still 'playing with the computer' and I really feel she will learn to love it. We are definitely taking the printer back though. Do you suggest that we steer clear of multifunction printers and just go for a basic hp. Epson was also one that was mentioned in the manual. I have been to both of these sites and they both have downloads available for linux. If she still wants to GET a printer and scanner combination, do you know if I would have to download drivers for printer and a separate driver for scanner component? (That is if the printer does not have a CD in the box for linux). Don't worry if you don't know. I can go to the websites and have a look myself. I just thought you may know. By the way I really like your picture of Spock. I USED to be a fan of the original Star Trek. Would still be if it was still on the box.

TaTer --

You should be able to get a driver set that will run the multifunction HP's or Epsons. I don't know much more than that, but you're on the right track.

I'm glad your mom's giving the computer a chance. I think it's a great little system, and I'm a BIG fan of linux, even though I'm currently using XP on my computer.

For the price, you may as well get a multifunction printer. Don't blame you at all.

My better half found the Trek avatar for me, somewhere. It's great -- pokes a bit of gentle fun at Mr. Spock.

Do by all means research as much as you can on the drivers. If I get a chance tomorrow, I'll poke around a bit, too.Ta Very Much but don't go to too much trouble on my behalf. You have already helped me more than you know. Bye for nowHave you looked ?------------->Here

You still need to kick the salesman in his................