Q: I am trying to install my Kodak Easyshare 1500 All-In-One printer on my Freespire OS and can't seem to do it. I've followed all the directions, but it still won't work. Is this even a compatible printer? Is there a list of compatible printers? Thanks for any help!
A: These days, many printers sold for windows don't work with linux. You can check here ( http://www.linux-foundation.org/en/OpenPrinting/Database/DatabaseIntro ) to see if a given printer will. The main reason for incompatibility is that many of these printers have no "brains" to do the work. Instead, they run everything thru windows, and the printer just sits there and does what the program tells it to do. Older printers, like my trusty old laser printer, have all they need and can run by themselves (almost), and just need to be told what to print. The new ones depend on their driver for ALL functions. You can try using wine ( http://www.winehq.org/ ) and see if you can use it, but for now it probably won't work. Sorry. Give linux a few years, and native drivers will be built for the most used printers, but some may never be usable. (like my lexmark all in one printer)