I've tried to get it working on Ubuntu with no success. I've tried this http://sourceforge.net/projects/hp3900-series/ but nothing happens
Tho I'm downloading Mandriva 2008 to try it as well
anyone has tips? I know a few people here use linux
A few more details about which scanner, and how it's connected, and what you're trying wouldn't hurt, just as a starting point... ;-]
What llearch said. I had no trouble getting my scanner to work, but it's a 1210, not 3900, and I run Debian, not Ubuntu.
I installed the "sane" package, which is for officejet scanners. If yours is officejet too, this page (http://hpoj.sourceforge.net/hpoj-0.91/doc/setup-scan.html) may help you.
Otherwise, search the web for Ubuntu drivers for your particular scanner. There may even be a package in the apt repository (mine was there).
I've had no trouble with a Mustek 1200CS or Canoscan LIDE 25. Both work fine under xsane (well, not the Canoscan, ever since I plugged it in upside down (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php?topic=1603.msg83550#msg83550)).