VIA

VIA (or more correctly, VIA Technologies, Inc.) is a popular manufacturer of computer chipsets. They manufacture chips for a wide range of uses such as networking, sound, USB and video.

Linux Support
VIA are one of the better companies with regards to Linux drivers. They offer Linux drivers for most (maybe all) of their chipsets and support for their most common ones is built directly into the kernel.

In short, VIA are a safe bet if you are after Linux compatibility.