From what I've seen
There are drivers for most of the 'earlier' periphials out there.
One thing about all but the most mature Distros, you do a lot of work with Linux through command-line. Not a problem for me, be like the 'good' old days. But if you've never worked from command-lines, there is a learning curve.
And a remote but distinct possiblity of turning your hard drive into an ugly paperweight.