Newbie having problem finding linux drivers

[pooperScooper]

Hi, after using window for several years, I finally decided to switch to linux. I felt satisfied to have it dual booted on my box.

Here is the problem. I have a ViewSonic PF775 and I can't find a linux driver for it. Also for my Geforce 4 440MX, I am not sure if I should download Linux IA32 or Linux IA64.
I have 2.4ghz Intel CPU and also an Intel motherboard.

It will be great if someone can help me out. Most of my friends are sticking with windows, so I have no one to ask.
Also if someone can tell me what should I do after I download the right drivers. Thanks.

[proffit]

I am not sure offhand about your driver issues but since you are on your own with no support I know how you feel. When I wanted to get into linux I did a google search on my specific type of computer, I am using a Dell inspiron 1100 and although not all my hardware is easily supported right off the install I found a lot of good sites specificly on installing and configuring linux on my machine. I don't know if you have a specific model or anything but you should also be able to google for linux drivers specificly for your hardware. The site with your drivers and probably in the file you download will have instructions on installing however you can always post up your problems as you encounter them and get help. I will try to look for info on your hardware for you tonight and I wish you good luck!

Michael

[proffit]

Hmm.. have you installed linux on your system yet? If so how is your display working currently? If at all. Also nvdia seems to have released linux drivers on thier website although I can't tell you for sure how to go about installing them since I have never dealt with any nvidia drivers yet. Anyways I suppose I am asking you to post any information you have on the install of your system. The problems you are running into during install and exaclty how things are working if at all. Hopefully somone will post that is using the same setup as you and has more specific knowledge.

Michael

Btw, try to read the readme files nvidia has on the download page to decide if that is the right driver you need.

[Varkk]

For the nvidia drivers, I assume you have either a P4 or a celeron so it is the IA32 are the ones you want. The 32 and the 64 refer to the processor type, 32bit or 64bit. Also do you really need drivers for your screen?

[pooperScooper]

Thanks for the encouragement Michael. I think right now my screen only goes up to 800x600 so it is not ugly but I don't feel great about it. Hopefully after I install the Geforce Driver, things will be better.

Thanks Varkk, I was able to found that ia64 is for intel itanium . I heard that it is available now, but the price is off the roof. I wonder what and when I should get a new one so I can give this box to my sister who is still using a P2 500MHz. I do feel bad that my CPU is almost 5 times faster, but I can't give it up until I get a better one.

[Jman]

If you've got Fedora running already, fire up Main Menu > System Settings > Display (redhat-config-xfree86). Hardware tab, monitor type, Configure button, ViewSonic group, ViewSonic PF775. This sets up the maximum resolution, refresh rate, and other stats for your monitor.

[foolish]

Installation of NVIDIA-drivers is covered in the wonderful unofficial fedora f.a.q: www.fedorafaq.org

About the other hardware you should explain a little more about what kind of hardware it is. Maybe a ViewSonic PF775 means something to you, but to me it could as easily be a pair of 3d-goggles as a webcamera. Sure I can google, but I'm not supposed to be the one to do the research am I?

There's a good article about how to make the merge to linux easier on Toms Hardware Guide now: http://www.tomshardware.com/howto/20040329/index.html

Let us know how you do.

[pooperScooper]

Thanks guys all resolved... I'll have more fun with Linux from now on. I don't even care how slow my window is.