The base ClearOS system is built from source code from Red Hat Enterprise Linux. We are not affiliated with Red Hat in any way, but are part of an open-source ecosystem. For the most part, hardware that is compatible with the Red Hat Enterprise Linux product will be compatible with ClearOS. For checking compatibility, use the online Red Hat Compatibility Guide. Keep in mind, there are many other hardware products that are compatible – the list is not exhaustive.

Here are some tips when selecting hardware:

• Avoid the latest technologies and chipsets. This will reduce the likelihood of compatibility issues and the possible reliability issues that might come with unproven hardware.

• Avoid desktop systems. You may save a couple of hundred dollars on a desktop system, but they are more likely to fail when used as a server/gateway.

• In case you missed the previous bullet point, avoid desktop hardware and systems.

• Check the vendors web site for Linux compatibility. If you can purchase ServerXYZ with a version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux pre-installed, then the system is very likely compatible with ClearOS.

When it comes to Linux support, some hardware vendors are better than others.

The following vendors ship servers with Linux pre-installed and have a good record when it comes to driver support. You should still check the Red Hat Compatibility Guide, especially on any new models.

• Dell servers (not desktops)
• HP servers
• IBM servers

The following vendors have a poor or mixed track record for Linux support.

• Promise
• Dell Optiplex desktops
• Microsoft Hyper-V

See RAID Support.

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