Is it necessary to install your hardware drivers?

Question

I have installed ubuntu 12.04 lts and had a lot of problems with graphics drivers (ATI Radeon drivers) and above all i had trouble getting my Broadcom driver to work. Annoyed with the latter, I uninstalled it and then to my surprise , my wireless connection was perfect .

So, is it really a mus to install all your drivers?

Answer 1

For radeon cards you don't. You'll just get less performance with the FOSS drivers.



For broadcom, it's a common problem. For older chipsets you usually need the proprietary STA drivers, or cut firmware out on windows drivers. I suggest the firmware method as it survives updates better, though STA is easier to install (should show up in jockey)



Some cards with n-wireless work fine without either present.



http://linuxwireless.org/en/users/Drivers/b43/



In general though linux tries to include driver code for as much hardware as possible with the kernel.

Answer 2

Hello,



Check your "Programs"for other Broadcom type drivers that may be overtaking the proper driver. Remove it (perhaps you did) and run a Full System Scan with antivirus in Safe Mode without internet connection.

Answer 3

ubuntu [and most other linux versions] includes drivers for most common devices -- my guess is yours were among those it supports without special drivers.