Does Ubuntu require special drivers?

[David Restall - System Administrator]

Hi Peter,

> I'm brand new to Ubuntu but very keen on trying it.

Welcome.

> I'm using an Acer Aspire notebook and only have drivers for Windows XP
> with which it was delivered.

Which model do you have.  I have an aspire 3004wlmi and Ubuntu went
straight on.  The only tricky bit was getting wireless networking to
work and this was due to my lack of experience with wireless lans.
Once I had the protocols and settings correct it worked and continues
to do so.  I installed the ndis wrappers and used the drivers supplied
with windows to drive the wireless lan.

> After installing Ubuntu, how does the operating system communicate with
> the hardware? Does it require special drivers to be installed?
> 
> Your advice is much appreciated. Thank you.

One thing I would recommend, before you start, boot the laptop into
windows XP and verify that everything works, check the sound, network
cards, bluetooth, wireless lan or whatever other hardware you have.
Once you know they all work you can then install Ubuntu.  I did this and
I knew that if they worked under windows I couldn't blame the hardware
so was able to persevere and get Ubuntu working.  I have to say it went
remarkably smoothly and I didn't spend nights pulling my hair out trying
to get things working.

HTH




Dave
ubuntu/users-2006-11-29.tx                     boholdt at runbox.com ubuntu-users
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