What I recently did regarding software freedom.

[Robin Laing]

Don Levey wrote:
> J. B. Nicholson-Owens wrote:
> 
>>Matt H wrote:
>>
>>>That's nice to hear. But, you're avoiding the point... Someone
>>>installs Fedora, they /already/ own an NVIDIA card. This person
>>>wants 3D acceleration, which makes sense. Now, do you tell them,
>>>"NVIDIA sucks, go buy a different card." Or, do you tell them how to
>>>install the driver?
>>
>>I can tell you what I've already done: I pointed a local man to an
>>inexpensive card (just under $60) that does 3-D graphics well and
>>works with the latest XFree86 out of the box, then I explained to him
>>why software freedom is important (and thus why I'm recommending he
>>steers clear of any hardware, no matter who the manufacturer is, that
>>can't be operated with non-free software).  He took my advice, bought
>>a suitable video card and is now enjoying playing 3D games like
>>Armagetron, Tux Racer, and 2D games including Frozen Bubble.
>>
>>My experience is that a lack of software freedom is quite impractical.
> 
> 
> Two questions:
> 1) Which card would this be?
> 2) How does this help the person who already has the NVIDIA card, apart from
> getting them to spend another $60?
> 
>  -Don

To answer your question, download the drivers from Nvidia and follow 
the instructions.

It would be nice if manufacturers would support Linux with Open 
Software but we have to understand that any support is better than 
nothing.

On this note, I have found no problems with Nvidia in comparison to 
ATI.  ATI says they support Linux and even provide drivers.  The 
problem is that until you start having problems do you find out that 
their drivers don't really support Linux by using all the features of 
the card or even basic features like 3D on many of their cards with 
their drivers.  I know from experience with a new 9600.  Nvidia up and 
running in less than 2 hours from time of paying for the card.  To 
answer your question, download the drivers from Nvidia and follow the 
instructions.  Nvidia FX5600

Now the Nvidia drivers are closed source but they are free.

It is unfortunate that to work with Linux it may mean purchasing a new 
piece of hardware.  At least Linux will still work on a P90, try that 
with Windows XP.

-- 
Robin Laing