#apt-get update
#apt-get dist-upgrade
Presto! Entire OS, kernel and all upgraded to current.
The GUIs allow this too.
You say Linux doesn't support your hardware. Either:
1) You were installing a version of Linux from 3 years ago
2) You have really oddball hardware, like milling machine interfaces
3) You have really cheap hardware (manufacturers of cut-rate hardware like to use the CPU of your computer rather than build a real device. Typically this happens most with modems and cheap printers. Note that XP doesn't support many of the same devices.)
or
4) You are not being truthful.
To which I will reply:
1) Use a recent version. You can even download a Live CD to test all of your hardware without touching your existing system.
2) Hire an expert to get your oddball (and likely very expensive) hardware running. It's a one time expense and you will own the resulting fix.
3) Buy decent hardware. Saving $10 on a printer is silly. Likewise, saving $10 on a modem is too.
4) Quit it.
3 years ago did they have any drivers for the All-in-wonder? Also, had problems finding via drivers. my printer, and cable modem all had problems, I now have DSL and dont know if that will work or not it probably will but dont have the time to waste messing with it. Windows works
Btw, I only buy top of the line hardware. Why would I build my own computers with junk?