Some people who come to use Ubuntu may install it thinking that it is a solution to all of their problems. Whilst in many cases this could be true there are of course problems when it is not. Examples which I want to bring attention to are:

* Voiding of warranty: Although the operating system should not have a negative impact on the hardware (unless you overclock) and thus shouldn't void an warranties, some companies may want to argue that they've modified their system so heavily that it is in fact their fault that the hardware is faulty.

* Hardware incompatibility: In my experience with new Ubuntu users the biggest turnoffs for them are complications in 3D graphics and wireless Internet. Whilst the new Checkbox system testing goes some way to testing a system prior to installing it is not presented by default and new users may miss it and install Ubuntu and be disappointed when some things don't work. (it's already been widely discussed that the LiveCD preview is not always representative of a complete installation).

* Any known issues with their hardware: If bugs relating to their hardware are known this should be detected and presented to them. A wealth of information regarding their hardware will undoubtedly be available via the Internet or bug reports on Launchpad.

Whilst these issues may turn away potential users I think it is very important for Ubuntu to be honest with its users and admit that everything might not work and that they install Ubuntu at their own risk. This will avoid a lot of disappointment and bad press.

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