How Do I Install Drivers???

[beezlebubsbum]

I have recently aquired some 3D drivers for my S3 UniChrome graphics card for Linux. However, I have no idea how to install it. It is a graphics driver, so does that mean I have to recompile the kernel just to get 3D support under linux? Is there an easier way to install drivers?

[snct]

Usually you do have to recompile the kernel for it. Did the drivers come with documentation?

[maccorin]

yea, if the drivers did not come with the kernel, then we can't really tell you the install process as it is different for each driver supplier, if it does come with the kernel, you need to build your own kernel.

[ZennouRyuu]

if you already have the driver built into the kernel inserting it into the kernel is easy:

insmod [driver-name]
modprobe [driver-name]

[maccorin]

the insmod is unnecessary, simply modprobe <driver> will work

modprobe does the same thing as insmod except for it also handles dependancies

[ZennouRyuu]

insmod is/not required dependant upon the kernel version and the location of the driver, it cant hurt.........