What is a hardware compatibility list?

Hardware compatibility is a list of different hardware peripherals and devices that have been tested or proven to be effectively compatible with a specific software program. These lists are usually designed and maintained for main programs such as operating systems (OS) to ensure that peripheral or other devices can function properly with the OS. Other types of software can also maintain such a list, even if it is often a more specialized list. The hardware compatibility list can usually be generated and maintained by either a program developer or software users who tested the program with different hardware pieces.

Often associated with software requirements, the hardware list is a similar function, albeit somewhat different. This type of list is most often associated with OS that could be installed on a computer. The importance of these lists is particularly evident for smaller OS programs that can be used in murder and which may have problems with the correct fungovby eating with different hardware. Other programs may also have a list of hardware compatibility, although they are often more specialized and narrow focus, such as an illustration program that has a list of cartoon tablets that can work with the program.

There are two primary types of hardware compatibility that can be found for most programs: Lists created by software developer or lists created by software users. The developer usually tests different types of hardware and other programs to ensure proper compatibility between programs and devices. Upon completion, the developer creates a list of hardware that works properly with the software. This list of hardware compatibility is usually available on the software developer's website and is usually updated regularly by the developer.

Smaller programs such as operating systems with open source code may not have resources to maintain such a topTesting standards. In this case, hardware compatibility can be generated by users who operate the program with different hardware configurations. Users usually keep a list of different hardware on the web, contribute to the list and regularly comment on different peripherals and devices. A list of online hardware compatibility may also have an associated user forum or other message sending system, allowing users to request different devices or configurations for testing.