Wikula » GoNvidia
Last edit
2011-09-09 09:42:36
by slam
[ clarify nv removal ]
Additions
apt-get purge xserver-xorg-video-nv (only if still installed)
Deletions
apt-get purge xserver-xorg-video-nv (if still installed)
Edit
2011-09-09 09:42:05
by slam
[ clarify nv removal ]
Additions
apt-get purge ^nvidia* ^libnvidia*
apt-get purge xserver-xorg-video-nv (if still installed)
Deletions
apt-get purge ^nvidia* ^libnvidia* xserver-xorg-video-nv
Edit
2011-09-09 08:23:33
by slam
[ some minor fixes ]
Additions
Remove /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/20-nvidia.conf.
Reboot.
You are using the free open source Nouveau driver now. Please feel free to add more tips to this HowTo?.
The nv driver (xserver-xorg-video-nv) was the first free and open source driver for all Riva, TNT, GeForce? und Quadro cards. It did support all possible resolutions/colors and full 2D extensions, but not 3D. However, it's development has stopped and it was removed from Debian Testing/Sid therefore. NV was sufficient for normal computing.
The Nouveau driver (xserver-xorg-video-nouveau) forked long time ago from nv, and continued development where nv stoped. It adds better support for newer cards, better performance and a wide range of modern 2D extensions. 3D hardware acceleration is still experimental, but will improve as development is proceeding. Nouveau is free and open source, and the new default driver for Nvidia cards in Debian and Aptosid. It works with KMS, so having it installed is all you need to do for proper resolutions/colors. It is sufficent for all usual computing tasks, just advanced 3D features might perform bad. Nouveau works with KMS enabled only.
This is the closed source proprietary driver from the manufacturer. It adds full 3d features for many cards. Support for new chipsets is added with every release, while support for older ones is dropped from time to time. It needs a seperately compiled external kernel module, this talks has to be repeated with every kernel update. nvidia-glx overwrites core Xorg files, and needs to be reinstalled with every Xorg upgrade. Like all closed source drivers, it often lags behind changes done in the open source components, and therefore breaks from time to time until the manufacturer releases a fix - this is specially true when using Debian Sid/Aptosid. Besides those technical hassles, the legality of external closed source modules linked into the Linux kernel is disputed. The nvidia driver is not working with KMS.
Deletions
Make sure /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d and /etc/X11/xorg.conf are removed.
Reboot. You are using the free open source Nouveau driver now. Please feel free to add more tips to this HowTo?.
The nv driver (xserver-xorg-video-nv) was the first free and open source driver for all Riva, TNT, GeForce? und Quadro cards. It supported all possible resolutions/colors and full 2D extensions, but not 3D. However, it's development has stopped and it was removed from Debian Testing/Sid recently therefore. NV was sufficient for normal computing.
The Nouveau driver (xserver-xorg-video-nouveau) forked long time ago from nv, and continued development where nv stoped. It adds better support for newer cards, better performance and a wide range of modern 2D extensions. 3D hardware acceleration is still experimental, but will improve as development is proceeding. Nouveau is free and open source, and the new default driver for Nvidia cards in Debian and Aptosid. It works with KMS, so having it installed is all you need to do for proper resolutions/colors. It is sufficent for all usual computing tasks, just advanced 3D features (for Windows games played using wine, Googleearth, some scientific and professional graphics design applications, etc.) are not not stable and might perform bad. Nouveau works with KMS enabled only.
This is the closed source proprietary driver from the manufacturer. It adds full 3d features for many cards. Support for new chipsets is added with every release, while support for older ones is dropped from time to time. It needs an extra compiled kernel module, which needs to be done with every kernel update. nvidia-glx overwrites core Xorg files, and needs to be reinstalled with every Xorg upgrade. Like all closed source drivers, it often lags behind changes done in the open source components, and therefore breaks from time to time until the manufacturer releases a fix. Besides those technical hassles, the legality of external closed source modules linked into the Linux kernel is disputed. The nvidia driver is not working with KMS.
Edit
2011-08-31 07:55:20
by slam
[ clarify nouvau 3d hardware acceleration status ]
Additions
This is a generic featureless driver. Fbdev does work with KMS enabled.
The Vesa driver (xserver-xorg-video-vesa) is a basic robust solution for all cards, but the range of available resolutions/colors is limited: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VESA_BIOS_Extensions#Linux_video_mode_numbers∞ - for all resolutions above 1024x768 you can use hwinfo --framebuffer to check which ones are provided by your graphics card. Several extended features are not included, the most prominent ones are all modern 2D/3D extensions. It is sufficient for rescue operations, but also for all basic computing. Vesa does not work with KMS enabled.
The nv driver (xserver-xorg-video-nv) was the first free and open source driver for all Riva, TNT, GeForce? und Quadro cards. It supported all possible resolutions/colors and full 2D extensions, but not 3D. However, it's development has stopped and it was removed from Debian Testing/Sid recently therefore. NV was sufficient for normal computing.
The Nouveau driver (xserver-xorg-video-nouveau) forked long time ago from nv, and continued development where nv stoped. It adds better support for newer cards, better performance and a wide range of modern 2D extensions. 3D hardware acceleration is still experimental, but will improve as development is proceeding. Nouveau is free and open source, and the new default driver for Nvidia cards in Debian and Aptosid. It works with KMS, so having it installed is all you need to do for proper resolutions/colors. It is sufficent for all usual computing tasks, just advanced 3D features (for Windows games played using wine, Googleearth, some scientific and professional graphics design applications, etc.) are not not stable and might perform bad. Nouveau works with KMS enabled only.
Deletions
This is a generic featureless driver. It does work with KMS enabled.
The Vesa driver (xserver-xorg-video-vesa) is a basic robust solution for all cards, but the range of available resolutions/colors is limited: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VESA_BIOS_Extensions#Linux_video_mode_numbers∞ - for all resolutions above 1024x768 you can use hwinfo --framebuffer to check which ones are provided by your graphics card. Several extended features are not included, the most prominent ones are all modern 2D/3D extensions. It is sufficient for rescue operations, but also for all basic computing. It does not work with KMS enabled.
The nv driver (xserver-xorg-video-nv) was the first free and open source driver for all Riva, TNT, GeForce? und Quadro cards. It supported all possible resolutions/colors and full 2D extensions, but not 3D. However, it's development has stopped and it was removed from Debian Testing/Sid recently therefore. It was sufficient for normal computing.
The Nouveau driver (xserver-xorg-video-nouveau) forked long time ago from nv, and continued development where nv stoped. It adds better support for newer cards, better performance and a wide range of modern 2D extensions. 3D hardware acceleration is still experimental, but will improve as development is proceeding. Nouveau is free and open source, and the new default driver for Nvidia cards in Debian and Aptosid. It works with KMS, so having it installed is all you need to do for proper resolutions/colors. It is sufficent for all usual computing tasks, just advanced 3D features (for Windows games played using wine, Googleearth, some scientific and professional graphics design applications, etc.) are not yet possible. It works with KMS enabled only.
Edit
2011-08-31 05:38:33
by slam
[ clarify opengl limitations with kde desktop effects ]
Additions
If using KDE, in System Settings turn desktop effects composite type to "Xrender" (keeping OpenGL there might lead to KDE not starting with certain desktop effects active).
Deletions
If using KDE, in System Settings turn desktop effects composite type to "Xrender" (keeping OpenGL there will lead to KDE not starting).
Edit
2011-06-30 14:59:54
by slam
Additions
apt-get install --reinstall xserver-xorg-core xserver-xorg-video-nouveau libgl1-mesa-dri-experimental%%
Deletions
apt-get install --reinstall xserver-xorg-core xserver-xorg-video-nouveau%%
Edit
2011-04-09 07:57:10
by slam
[ adapt to open xorg-failsafe problems due to KMS, add fbdev driver. ]
Additions
fbdev
This is a generic featureless driver. It does work with KMS enabled.
The Vesa driver (xserver-xorg-video-vesa) is a basic robust solution for all cards, but the range of available resolutions/colors is limited: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VESA_BIOS_Extensions#Linux_video_mode_numbers∞ - for all resolutions above 1024x768 you can use hwinfo --framebuffer to check which ones are provided by your graphics card. Several extended features are not included, the most prominent ones are all modern 2D/3D extensions. It is sufficient for rescue operations, but also for all basic computing. It does not work with KMS enabled.
The Nouveau driver (xserver-xorg-video-nouveau) forked long time ago from nv, and continued development where nv stoped. It adds better support for newer cards, better performance and a wide range of modern 2D extensions. 3D hardware acceleration is still experimental, but will improve as development is proceeding. Nouveau is free and open source, and the new default driver for Nvidia cards in Debian and Aptosid. It works with KMS, so having it installed is all you need to do for proper resolutions/colors. It is sufficent for all usual computing tasks, just advanced 3D features (for Windows games played using wine, Googleearth, some scientific and professional graphics design applications, etc.) are not yet possible. It works with KMS enabled only.
This is the closed source proprietary driver from the manufacturer. It adds full 3d features for many cards. Support for new chipsets is added with every release, while support for older ones is dropped from time to time. It needs an extra compiled kernel module, which needs to be done with every kernel update. nvidia-glx overwrites core Xorg files, and needs to be reinstalled with every Xorg upgrade. Like all closed source drivers, it often lags behind changes done in the open source components, and therefore breaks from time to time until the manufacturer releases a fix. Besides those technical hassles, the legality of external closed source modules linked into the Linux kernel is disputed. The nvidia driver is not working with KMS.
Deletions
The Vesa driver (xserver-xorg-video-vesa) is a basic robust solution for all cards, but the range of available resolutions/colors is limited: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VESA_BIOS_Extensions#Linux_video_mode_numbers∞ - for all resolutions above 1024x768 you can use hwinfo --framebuffer to check which ones are provided by your graphics card. Several extended features are not included, the most prominent ones are all modern 2D/3D extensions. It is sufficient for rescue operations, but also for all basic computing.
The Nouveau driver (xserver-xorg-video-nouveau) forked long time ago from nv, and continued development where nv stoped. It adds better support for newer cards, better performance and a wide range of modern 2D extensions. 3D hardware acceleration is still experimental, but will improve as development is proceeding. Nouveau is free and open source, and the new default driver for Nvidia cards in Debian and Aptosid. It works with KMS, so having it installed is all you need to do for proper resolutions/colors. In case of failure, it automaticly falls back to Vesa, so the user is not left without graphical environment. It is sufficent for all usual computing tasks, just advanced 3D features (for Windows games played using wine, Googleearth, some scientific and professional graphics design applications, etc.) are not yet possible.
This is the closed source proprietary driver from the manufacturer. It adds full 3d features for many cards. Support for new chipsets is added with every release, while support for older ones is dropped from time to time. It needs an extra compiled kernel module, which needs to be done with every kernel update. nvidia-glx overwrites core Xorg files, and needs to be reinstalled with every Xorg upgrade. Like all closed source drivers, it often lags behind changes done in the open source components, and therefore breaks from time to time until the manufacturer releases a fix. Besides those technical hassles, the legality of external closed source modules linked into the Linux kernel is disputed. The nvidia driver is not working with KMS, and has no fallback - in case of any problems users are left without a graphical environment.
Edit
2011-03-18 09:28:33
by slam
[ clarify nouvau 3d hardware acceleration status ]
Additions
The Nouveau driver (xserver-xorg-video-nouveau) forked long time ago from nv, and continued development where nv stoped. It adds better support for newer cards, better performance and a wide range of modern 2D extensions. 3D hardware acceleration is still experimental, but will improve as development is proceeding. Nouveau is free and open source, and the new default driver for Nvidia cards in Debian and Aptosid. It works with KMS, so having it installed is all you need to do for proper resolutions/colors. In case of failure, it automaticly falls back to Vesa, so the user is not left without graphical environment. It is sufficent for all usual computing tasks, just advanced 3D features (for Windows games played using wine, Googleearth, some scientific and professional graphics design applications, etc.) are not yet possible.
Deletions
The Nouveau driver (xserver-xorg-video-nouveau) forked long time ago from nv, and continued development where nv stoped. It adds better support for newer cards, better performance and a wide range of modern 2D extensions. 3D support is still experimental, but will improve as development is proceeding. Nouveau is free and open source, and the new default driver for Nvidia cards in Debian and Aptosid. It works with KMS, so having it installed is all you need to do for proper resolutions/colors. In case of failure, it automaticly falls back to Vesa, so the user is not left without graphical environment. It is sufficent for all usual computing tasks, just 3D features (for advanced KDE Desktop effects, Windows games played using wine, Googleearth, etc., but also for some scientific and applications) are not yet possible.
Edit
2011-02-24 15:22:52
by bluewater
Additions
If using KDE, in System Settings turn desktop effects composite type to "Xrender" (keeping OpenGL there will lead to KDE not starting).
Deletions
If using KDE, in System Settings turn desktop effects composite type to "Xrender" (keeping "OpenGL?" there will lead to KDE not starting).
Edit
2011-02-24 15:22:30
by bluewater
Additions
If using KDE, in System Settings turn desktop effects composite type to "Xrender" (keeping "OpenGL?" there will lead to KDE not starting).
Deletions
If using KDE, in System Settings turn desktop effects composite type to "Xrender" (keeping "OpenGL? there will lead to KDE not starting).
Edit
2011-02-24 15:09:55
by bluewater
Additions
If using KDE, in System Settings turn desktop effects composite type to "Xrender" (keeping "OpenGL? there will lead to KDE not starting).
Deletions
If using KDE, in System Settings turn at desktop effects composite type to "Xrender" (keeping "OpenGL? there will lead to KDE not starting).
Edit
2011-02-24 15:04:51
by slam
[ KDE desktop effects do work with Xrender compositing ]
Additions
If using KDE, in System Settings turn at desktop effects composite type to "Xrender" (keeping "OpenGL? there will lead to KDE not starting).
Deletions
If using KDE, in System Settings turn all desktop effects off (some of them might need hardware 3D acceleration, which will lead to KDE not starting).
Edit
2011-02-24 14:59:02
by bluewater
Additions
Remove all 3rd party repositories from /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ . Keep the official files only, examples are at http://aptosid.com/files/misc/∞.
Remove all traces of nvidia in /etc/default/dmakms and /usr/src/.
Remove all vga=xxx and xmodule=xxx entries from /etc/default/grub, and do update-grub.
WARNING: Your results will vary if you ever have used the installer from Nvidia (the .run file) or other 3rd party scripts/packages, instead of using proper Debian packages!
Here is more info about all the driver choices for Nvidia chipsets:
Deletions
Remove all 3rd party repositories from /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ - keep the offical files only, examples at http://aptosid.com/files/misc/∞.
Remove all traces of nvidia /etc/default/dmakms and /usr/src/.
Remove all vga=xxx ans xmodule=xxx entries from /etc/default/grub, and do update-grub.
WARNING: Your results will vary if you ever have used the installer from Nvidia (the .run file) or other 3rd party scripts/packages, instead of proper Debian packages!
Here is more info about all driver choices for Nvidia chipsets:
Edit
2011-02-24 14:55:45
by bluewater
Additions
If using KDE, in System Settings turn all desktop effects off (some of them might need hardware 3D acceleration, which will lead to KDE not starting).
Deletions
If using KDE, System Settings turn all desktop effects off (some of them might need hardware 3D acceleration, which will lead to KDE not starting).
Edit
2011-02-23 13:55:36
by slam
[ typo fix - thanks arwa ]
Additions
apt-get purge ^nvidia* ^libnvidia* xserver-xorg-video-nv
Deletions
apt-get purge ^nvidia* ^libnividia* xserver-xorg-video-nv
Edit
2011-02-23 12:58:38
by bluewater
Additions
If using KDE, System Settings turn all desktop effects off (some of them might need hardware 3D acceleration, which will lead to KDE not starting).
Deletions
If using KDE, System Settings turn all desktop effects off (some of them might need hardware 3D acceleration, which will lead to KDE not starting).
Edit
2011-02-23 12:54:50
by bluewater
Additions
If using KDE, System Settings turn all desktop effects off (some of them might need hardware 3D acceleration, which will lead to KDE not starting).
Please understand that we do not recommend any use of software from outside Debian/aptosid repositories in general, as we do not have the ability to fix problems in 3rd party packages, (also potential security issues have to be considered including debs not built with strict debian packaging guidelines which also may impact any debian sid dist-upgrades and interfere with debians' namespace nominations in the future and thus break your system).
Deletions
In KDE System Settings turn all desktop effects off (some of them might need hardware 3D acceleration, which will lead to KDE not starting).
Please understand that we do not recommend any use of software from outside Debian/aptosid repositories in general, as we have no ability to fix problems in 3rd party packages, (also potential security issues have to be considered including debs not built with strict debian packaging guidelines which may impact any debian sid dist-upgrades and interfere with debians' namespace nominations in the future and thus break your system).
Edit
2011-02-21 19:27:28
by slam
[ typos, spelling, examples ]
Additions
As most people with Nvidia cards are probably not aware of, the new free and open source driver Nouveau is already enabled in Aptosid kernels, and does work well for most cards and use cases (3D support still experimental, though). So, it's time to finally get rid of the closed source and non DSFG distributable packages, along with potentially problematic 3rd party repositories. Here is how to do that:
In KDE System Settings turn all desktop effects off (some of them might need hardware 3D acceleration, which will lead to KDE not starting).
The nv driver (xserver-xorg-video-nv) was the first free and open source driver for all Riva, TNT, GeForce? und Quadro cards. It supported all possible resolutions/colors and full 2D extensions, but not 3D. However, it's development has stopped and it was removed from Debian Testing/Sid recently therefore. It was sufficient for normal computing.
The Nouveau driver (xserver-xorg-video-nouveau) forked long time ago from nv, and continued development where nv stoped. It adds better support for newer cards, better performance and a wide range of modern 2D extensions. 3D support is still experimental, but will improve as development is proceeding. Nouveau is free and open source, and the new default driver for Nvidia cards in Debian and Aptosid. It works with KMS, so having it installed is all you need to do for proper resolutions/colors. In case of failure, it automaticly falls back to Vesa, so the user is not left without graphical environment. It is sufficent for all usual computing tasks, just 3D features (for advanced KDE Desktop effects, Windows games played using wine, Googleearth, etc., but also for some scientific and applications) are not yet possible.
The Aptosid development team recommends and fully supports the removal of the nv driver and installation/usage of the nouveau driver (and of course vesa). Only for those actually needing the full 3D features of the proprietary driver, we always have and will provide help in our manuals, forums and IRC channel.
Deletions
As most people with Nvidia cards are probably not aware of, the new free and open source driver Nouveau is already enabled in Aptosid kernels, and does work well for most cards and use cases (3d support still experimental, though). So, it's time to finally get rid of the closed source and non DSFG distributable packages, along with potentially problematic 3rd party repositories. Here is how to do that:
In KDE System Settings turn all desktop effects off (some of them might need hardware 3d acceleration, which will lead to KDE not starting).
The nv driver (xserver-xorg-video-nv) was the first free and open source driver for all Riva, TNT, GeForce? und Quadro cards. It supported all possible resolutions/colors and full 2d extensions, but no 3d. However, it's development has stopped and it was removed from Debian Testing/Sid recently therefore. It was sufficient for normal computing.
The Nouveau driver (xserver-xorg-video-nouveau) forked long time ago from nv, and continued development where nv stoped. It adds better support for newer cards, better performance and a wide range of modern 2d extensions. 3d support is still experimental, but will improve as development is proceeding. Nouveau is free and open source, and the new default driver for Nvidia cards in Debian and Aptosid. It works with KMS, so having it installed is all you need to do for proper resolutions/colors. In case of failure, it automaticly falls back to Vesa, so the user is not left without graphical environment. It is sufficent for all usual computing tasks, just those demanding 3d features (mostly Windows games played using wine) are not yet possible.
The Aptosid development team recommends and fully supports the removal of the nv driver and installation/usage of the nouveau driver (and of course vesa). Only for those actually needing the full 3d features of the proprietary driver, we always have and will provide help in our manuals, forums and IRC channel.
Edit
2011-02-21 14:24:56
by bluewater
Additions
Please understand that we do not recommend any use of software from outside Debian/aptosid repositories in general, as we have no ability to fix problems in 3rd party packages, (also potential security issues have to be considered including debs not built with strict debian packaging guidelines which may impact any debian sid dist-upgrades and interfere with debians' namespace nominations in the future and thus break your system).
Deletions
Please understand that we do not recommend to use any software from outside Debian/aptosid repositories in general, as we have no ability to fix problems in 3rd party packages, (also potential security issues have to be considered including debs not built with strict debian packaging guidelines which may impact any debian sid dist-upgrades and interfere with debians' namespace nominations in the future and thus break your system).
Edit
2011-02-21 14:23:35
by bluewater
Additions
Please understand that we do not recommend to use any software from outside Debian/aptosid repositories in general, as we have no ability to fix problems in 3rd party packages, (also potential security issues have to be considered including debs not built with strict debian packaging guidelines which may impact any debian sid dist-upgrades and interfere with debians' namespace nominations in the future and thus break your system).
Deletions
Please understand that we do not recommend to use any software from outside Debian/aptosid repositories in general, as we have no ability to fix problems in 3rd party packages, (also potential security issues have to be considered including debs not built with strict debian packaging guidelines which may impact any debian sid dist-upgrades and interfere with debians' namespace nomination in the future and thus break your system).
Edit
2011-02-21 14:12:20
by slam
[ fix code box ]
Additions
apt-get install --reinstall xserver-xorg-core xserver-xorg-video-nouveau%%
Deletions
apt-get install --reinstall xserver-xorg-video-nouveau%%
Edit
2011-02-21 14:11:02
by bluewater
Additions
The Aptosid development team recommends and fully supports the removal of the nv driver and installation/usage of the nouveau driver (and of course vesa). Only for those actually needing the full 3d features of the proprietary driver, we always have and will provide help in our manuals, forums and IRC channel.
Please understand that we do not recommend to use any software from outside Debian/aptosid repositories in general, as we have no ability to fix problems in 3rd party packages, (also potential security issues have to be considered including debs not built with strict debian packaging guidelines which may impact any debian sid dist-upgrades and interfere with debians' namespace nomination in the future and thus break your system).
Deletions
The Aptosid development team recommends and fully supports the removal of the nv driver and installation/usage of the nouveau driver (and of course vesa). Only for those actually needing the full 3d features of the proprietary driver, we always have and will provide help in our manuals, forums and IRC channel.
Please understand that we do not recommend to use any software from outside Debian/aptosid repositories in general, as we have no ability to fix problems in 3rd party packages, (also potential security issues have to be considered including debs not built with strict debian packaging guidelines which may impact any debian sid dist-upgrades and interfere with debians' namespace nomination in the future and thus break your system).
Edit
2011-02-21 14:10:02
by bluewater
Additions
The Aptosid development team recommends and fully supports the removal of the nv driver and installation/usage of the nouveau driver (and of course vesa). Only for those actually needing the full 3d features of the proprietary driver, we always have and will provide help in our manuals, forums and IRC channel.
Deletions
The Aptosid development team recommends and fully supports the removal of the nv driver and installation/usage of the nouveau driver (and of course vesa). Only for those actually needing the full 3d features of the proprietary driver, we always have and will provide help in our manuals, forums and IRC channel.
Edit
2011-02-21 14:07:38
by bluewater
Additions
Please understand that we do not recommend to use any software from outside Debian/aptosid repositories in general, as we have no ability to fix problems in 3rd party packages, (also potential security issues have to be considered including debs not built with strict debian packaging guidelines which may impact any debian sid dist-upgrades and interfere with debians' namespace nomination in the future and thus break your system).
Deletions
Please understand that we do not recommend to use any software from outside Debian/aptosid repositories in general, as we have no ability to fix problems in 3rd party packages, (also potential security issues have to be considered including debs not built with strict debian packaging guidelines which may impact any debian sid dist-upgrades and interfere with debians' namespace nomination in the future and break your system).
Edit
2011-02-21 14:06:13
by bluewater
Additions
Please understand that we do not recommend to use any software from outside Debian/aptosid repositories in general, as we have no ability to fix problems in 3rd party packages, (also potential security issues have to be considered including debs not built with strict debian packaging guidelines which may impact any debian sid dist-upgrades and interfere with debians' namespace nomination in the future and break your system).
Deletions
Please understand that we do not recommend to use any software from outside Debian/aptosid repositories in general, as we have no ability to fix problems in 3rd party packages (and also potential security issues have to be considered).
Edit
2011-02-21 13:58:04
by bluewater
[ getting rid of liable at law ]
Additions
As most people with Nvidia cards are probably not aware of, the new free and open source driver Nouveau is already enabled in Aptosid kernels, and does work well for most cards and use cases (3d support still experimental, though). So, it's time to finally get rid of the closed source and non DSFG distributable packages, along with potentially problematic 3rd party repositories. Here is how to do that:
Deletions
As most people with Nvidia cards are probably not aware of, the new free and open source driver Nouveau is already enabled in Aptosid kernels, and does work well for most cards and use cases (3d support still experimental, though). So, it's time to finally get rid of the closed source, and non DSFG, and potentially problematic 3rd party repositories. Here is how to do that:
Edit
2011-02-21 13:56:02
by bluewater
Additions
WARNING: Your results will vary if you ever have used the installer from Nvidia (the .run file) or other 3rd party scripts/packages, instead of proper Debian packages!
Deletions
WARNING: Your milage may vary a lot if you ever have used the installer from Nvidia (the .run file) or other 3rd party scripts/packages, instead of proper Debian packages!
Edit
2011-02-21 13:54:35
by bluewater
Additions
As most people with Nvidia cards are probably not aware of, the new free and open source driver Nouveau is already enabled in Aptosid kernels, and does work well for most cards and use cases (3d support still experimental, though). So, it's time to finally get rid of the closed source, and non DSFG, and potentially problematic 3rd party repositories. Here is how to do that:
Deletions
As most people with Nvidia cards are probably not aware of, the new free and open source driver Nouveau is already enabled in Aptosid kernels, and does work well for most cards and use cases (3d support still experimental, though). So, it's time to finally get rid of the closed source, legally questionable blob, and potentially problematic 3rd party repositories. Here is how to do that:
Edit
2011-02-21 13:32:32
by slam
[ additional links added ]
Additions
More Links:
The official list of chipsets supported by the current stable nvidia driver can be found here∞.
Phoronix does regular tests nvidia vs. nouveau, and while their testing methods might be questionable, a lot of valuable info can found in their forums∞.
The nouveau wiki provides more technical info about how to use KMS features∞ with the nouveau driver.
You can check the current status of features implemented in the nouveau driver for every single chipset here∞.
Edit
2011-02-20 15:20:26
by slam
[ fix links ]
Additions
Remove all 3rd party repositories from /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ - keep the offical files only, examples at http://aptosid.com/files/misc/∞.
Deletions
Remove all 3rd party repositories from /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ - keep the offical files only, examples at .∞.
Edit
2011-02-20 15:19:56
by slam
[ fix links ]
Additions
Remove all 3rd party repositories from /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ - keep the offical files only, examples at .∞.
Deletions
Remove all 3rd party repositories from /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ (keep the offical files only, examples at .∞.
Edit
2011-02-20 14:25:29
by slam
[ add grub adaptions ]
Additions
Remove all vga=xxx ans xmodule=xxx entries from /etc/default/grub, and do update-grub.
Edit
2011-02-20 12:18:38
by slam
[ minor re-wording ]
Additions
In KDE System Settings turn all desktop effects off (some of them might need hardware 3d acceleration, which will lead to KDE not starting).
Remove all 3rd party repositories from /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ (keep the offical files only, examples at .∞.
Remove all traces of nvidia /etc/default/dmakms and /usr/src/.
Make sure /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d and /etc/X11/xorg.conf are removed.
The Aptosid development team recommends and fully supports the removal of the nv driver and installation/usage of the nouveau driver (and of course vesa). Only for those actually needing the full 3d features of the proprietary driver, we always have and will provide help in our manuals, forums and IRC channel.
Please understand that we do not recommend to use any software from outside Debian/aptosid repositories in general, as we have no ability to fix problems in 3rd party packages (and also potential security issues have to be considered).
Deletions
In KDE System Settings turn all desktop effects off. Remove all 3rd party repositories from /etc/apt/sources.list.d/. Remove all traces of nvidia in: /etc/default/dmakms, /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/ and /usr/src/.
The Aptosid development team recommends and fully supports the removal of the nv driver and installation/usage of the nouveau driver. Only for those actually needing the full 3d features of the proprietary driver, we always have and will provide help in our manuals, forums and IRC channel. Please understand that we do not recommend to use any software from outside Debian/aptosid repositories in general, as we have no ability to fix problems in 3rd party packages (plus potential security issues have to be considered).
Edit
2011-02-20 10:15:56
by slam
[ typo ]
Additions
The Aptosid development team recommends and fully supports the removal of the nv driver and installation/usage of the nouveau driver. Only for those actually needing the full 3d features of the proprietary driver, we always have and will provide help in our manuals, forums and IRC channel. Please understand that we do not recommend to use any software from outside Debian/aptosid repositories in general, as we have no ability to fix problems in 3rd party packages (plus potential security issues have to be considered).
Deletions
The Aptosid development team recommends and fully supports the removal of the nv driver and installation/usage of the nouveau driver. Only for those actually needed the full 3d features of the proprietary driver, we always have and will provide help in our manuals, forums and IRC channel. Please understand that we do not recommend to use any software from outside Debian/aptosid repositories in general, as we have no ability to fix problems in 3rd party packages (plus potential security issues have to be considered).
Edit
2011-02-20 09:55:52
by slam
[ add general driver info ]
Edit
2011-02-20 09:52:58
by slam
[ add general driver info ]
Additions
As most people with Nvidia cards are probably not aware of, the new free and open source driver Nouveau is already enabled in Aptosid kernels, and does work well for most cards and use cases (3d support still experimental, though). So, it's time to finally get rid of the closed source, legally questionable blob, and potentially problematic 3rd party repositories. Here is how to do that:
Here is more info about all driver choices for Nvidia chipsets:
vesa
The Vesa driver (xserver-xorg-video-vesa) is a basic robust solution for all cards, but the range of available resolutions/colors is limited: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VESA_BIOS_Extensions#Linux_video_mode_numbers∞ - for all resolutions above 1024x768 you can use hwinfo --framebuffer to check which ones are provided by your graphics card. Several extended features are not included, the most prominent ones are all modern 2D/3D extensions. It is sufficient for rescue operations, but also for all basic computing.
nv
The nv driver (xserver-xorg-video-nv) was the first free and open source driver for all Riva, TNT, GeForce? und Quadro cards. It supported all possible resolutions/colors and full 2d extensions, but no 3d. However, it's development has stopped and it was removed from Debian Testing/Sid recently therefore. It was sufficient for normal computing.
http://www.x.org/wiki/∞
nouveau
The Nouveau driver (xserver-xorg-video-nouveau) forked long time ago from nv, and continued development where nv stoped. It adds better support for newer cards, better performance and a wide range of modern 2d extensions. 3d support is still experimental, but will improve as development is proceeding. Nouveau is free and open source, and the new default driver for Nvidia cards in Debian and Aptosid. It works with KMS, so having it installed is all you need to do for proper resolutions/colors. In case of failure, it automaticly falls back to Vesa, so the user is not left without graphical environment. It is sufficent for all usual computing tasks, just those demanding 3d features (mostly Windows games played using wine) are not yet possible.
http://nouveau.freedesktop.org/wiki/∞
nvidia
This is the closed source proprietary driver from the manufacturer. It adds full 3d features for many cards. Support for new chipsets is added with every release, while support for older ones is dropped from time to time. It needs an extra compiled kernel module, which needs to be done with every kernel update. nvidia-glx overwrites core Xorg files, and needs to be reinstalled with every Xorg upgrade. Like all closed source drivers, it often lags behind changes done in the open source components, and therefore breaks from time to time until the manufacturer releases a fix. Besides those technical hassles, the legality of external closed source modules linked into the Linux kernel is disputed. The nvidia driver is not working with KMS, and has no fallback - in case of any problems users are left without a graphical environment.
http://packages.debian.org/unstable/kernel/nvidia-kernel-source∞
The Aptosid development team recommends and fully supports the removal of the nv driver and installation/usage of the nouveau driver. Only for those actually needed the full 3d features of the proprietary driver, we always have and will provide help in our manuals, forums and IRC channel. Please understand that we do not recommend to use any software from outside Debian/aptosid repositories in general, as we have no ability to fix problems in 3rd party packages (plus potential security issues have to be considered).
Deletions
As most people with Nvidia cards are probably not aware of, the new free and open source driver Nouveau is already enabled in Aptosid kernels, and does work well for most cards and use cases (3d support still experimental, though). So, it's time to finally get rid of the closed source, legally questionable malware blob, and potentially problematic 3rd party repositories. Here is how to do that:
Greetings,
Chris
Oldest known version of this page was edited on 2011-02-19 17:13:54
by slam
[ add 3rd party scripts ]
As most people with Nvidia cards are probably not aware of, the new free and open source driver Nouveau is already enabled in Aptosid kernels, and does work well for most cards and use cases (3d support still experimental, though). So, it's time to finally get rid of the closed source, legally questionable malware blob, and potentially problematic 3rd party repositories. Here is how to do that:
In KDE System Settings turn all desktop effects off. Remove all 3rd party repositories from /etc/apt/sources.list.d/. Remove all traces of nvidia in: /etc/default/dmakms, /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/ and /usr/src/.
WARNING: Your milage may vary a lot if you ever have used the installer from Nvidia (the .run file) or other 3rd party scripts/packages, instead of proper Debian packages!
init 3 apt-get purge ^nvidia* ^libnividia* xserver-xorg-video-nv apt-get update && apt-get dist-upgrade apt-get install --reinstall xserver-xorg-video-nouveau
Reboot. You are using the free open source Nouveau driver now. Please feel free to add more tips to this HowTo?.
Greetings,
Chris