imageCLASS Drivers ARM Compatibility

[dexman335]

With the upcoming release of Windows computers that are powered by new ARM chips/processors, the compatibility of drivers for imageCLASS and other Canon products comes to mind.

Some of these new computers look interesting, but if the Canon drivers won't work with these newer computers, then that is problematic.

So, I'll ask the $50k question. Are the drivers compatible? If not, will new drivers be introduced shortly to make the transition from x86 to ARM as seamless as possible? 🤔
If new drivers are required, how far back in the Canon office printer line will Canon go with rolling out the new drivers? 🤔

[DavidIMcIntosh]

I would be happy to switch from Windows to Linux - and likely my driver problems would go away. Unfortunately, Microsoft has been so careful not to compile/develop Excel for a Linux environment, and since I am a heavy, advanced Excel user, I am stuck. Linux threatens them for obvious reasons, apparently Mac does not.

[normadel]

How do you figure your driver problems would go away with Linux?

Canon support for Linux is terrible.....either nonexistent or requiring figuring out HOW to install the drivers that Canon provides. If you find them. They list drivers at Canon Europe and elsewhere that they don't show at Canon USA.   Linux procedures mostly are not the simple "run the .exe file" operation that Windows drivers has. And if there are missing "dependencies" you are left on your own to find them, if they still exist. I've been through it numerous times. 

I too would like to get out from under Microsoft's thumb. They've made the use of Windows a mess over the years. LibreOffice suite offers a fine replacement for MS Office/365. Been using Canon printers and scanners forever but I cannot see buying a Canon printer again unless Linux support becomes simple.

[DavidIMcIntosh]

Interesting. I was just going by what my son's tell me about their experience setting up linux on devices. They may not, however, have had direct experience with Canon printers, and it sounds like you have. Unfortunately, the point is moot for me, but your infor is interesting. Thanks.

[DavidIMcIntosh]

Oh, one ore thing: LibreOffice sheets have a completely different scripting language, and clients with complex Excel spreadsheets using a lot of VBA would never begin to try to convert. So it is a no-go, unfortunately.