Updating Linux Device Drivers

Almost everyone is familiar with Microsoft Windows, as it is installed on the computers of many home-based users. While it is certainly the most popular, Windows isn’t the only operating system available. There are several other choices, including Mac OS X, Solaris and Linux.

The Linux operating system comes in many different variations. Some of the most popular versionsinclude Debian, Fedora and Redhat among others. Just like any other operating system, Linux comes with a number of device drivers. This means that there may be a time when hardware devices on your computer stop working properly and require driver updates. Although a device could experience problems for various reasons, an outdated or dysfunctional driver is usually the culprit.

Where to Begin Updating Linux Device Drivers

In order to update the drivers for your Linux hardware, you must find out what type of device it is. Once you have these details, go online and head to the manufacturer’s website. Although mainly used in the network setting, Linux is becoming more popular as a desktop system, making it easier to find device drivers. Most hardware device manufacturers allow you to download device drivers from the support section of their websites. Regardless of the manufacturer, it is important to download drivers that are specific to the Linux operating system. If you download and install Windows drivers, your hardware will not work on your Linux system.

Because Linux is an open-source system, many of its device drivers are available in open-source variations. The open-source nature allows any developer to create device drivers and freely distribute them. These drivers can typically be downloaded from various open-source communities online. With proprietary software and hardware components, you are required to download the device drivers from the manufacturer.

How to Install Linux Device Drivers

Device drivers for the Linux operating system are usually distributed as source code in zip archives. This calls for you to unzip the compressed archive to access the appropriate files. In order to accomplish this, you must use a compatible unzip application and manually compile the source code. While Linux is generally more complex, this task can be easily completed by basic computer users.

Ensuring Compatibility Before a New Purchase

If you plan to add a new hardware device to your Linux computer, it is important to make sure it is compatible with the operating system before making a purchase. This can be done in two ways: you can either check with the manufacturer or visit the KeyLabs website. KeyLabs is an organization that tests numerous applications and devices to determine their compatibility with various systems, Linux included. This company has tested so many hardware devices that gathering information from KeyLabs is often easier than getting it from the manufacturer’s website.

Even though Linux is becoming more accepted as a desktop system, finding the right device drivers can still be a tedious undertaking. This is especially true if you are trying to integrate hardware devices that were previously used on an older Linux system. As you would expect, the process is much easier when dealing with new hardware devices, as they typically come included with installation discs that contain the appropriate drivers.

Restoring Your Computer’s Performance

After putting your computer together, the machine usually runs flawlessly for the first year. Unfortunately, the superb performance you enjoyed eventually disappears, and now the machine runs sluggishly. You may even find that the computer crashes before having a chance to boot up and run. The performance problems could stem from numerous reasons, including the installation of a new device or application that creates conflict. A computer can also fail during startup because other processes are stealing its resources. There are many factors that can provoke such behavior, and believe it or not, most of these issues can be easily resolved.

Are Device Drivers the Sluggish Culprit?

If you recently installed new hardware on your computer, it could be the device drivers that are causing the system to crash at startup. In this case, you could try reverting back to the “Last Known Good Configuration.” This can be done by restarting the computer and pressing the F8 key while it reboots. Once the Windows Advanced Options menu has been launched, use the arrow keys and select “Last Known Good Configuration.” After doing this, your system will be loaded to a configuration prior to the hardware installation. At this point, you can then uninstall the device and see if it solves your problem.

Could Applications Be Crashing Your Computer?

In the event that you haven’t made any changes and your computer is still crashing, these problems could be related to applications. Sometimes, your applications will compete with each other for resources, causing the computer to run slowly and often crash. When this is the case, it could be applications in your Startup folder or a sneaky spyware program that is running without your knowledge.

To check this problem, open the “Start” menu, click “Run” and type “msconfig” into the command field. By clicking the “Startup Items” tab, you can learn what applications are being loaded with the startup. It could be a situation where a variety of programs are loading up at all times. Scroll through the list of programs and uncheck those that don’t need to run at startup. However, one program that you would want to leave enabled is your anti-virus software. If the software is able to detect spyware, run the virus scanner and see if it detects any malicious items.

How Full is Your Computer’s Hard Disk?

If your hard disk is near its full capacity, your computer will endure various performance issues. These problems range from constant errors to system crashes. The same issues may occur if the disk is failing as well.

To troubleshoot this issue, launch “My Computer” and right-click your local hard drive. Select “Properties” and find out how much free space is left on the hard drive. If you have less than a 20% capacity remaining, the drive is most likely the culprit behind your crashing issues. Even if you have a decent capacity remaining, it is still a good idea to run the “Disk Cleanup” utility and try to free up some space. Click “Cleanup” and allow the utility to scan your computer so it can recommend files that warrant immediate removal. After the list is populated, check the files you are comfortable removing and click the “remove” option.

Tip – In order to prevent crashes, you should regularly check the applications running at startup, as well as employ utilities such as Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter. You can also keep your computer running at peak performance by installing software that protects against viruses, spyware and other malicious software.