HP xw4400 Workstation - Manual (Page 19)

4 Linux graphics for HP workstations
This chapter provides an overview of accelerated graphics solutions for HP workstations running the
Linux operating system and the X.org X Window System. It covers vendor-specific driver configuration
utilities, system functionality, and support information for workstation users. This chapter assumes
familiarity with Linux configuration, basic X server usage, window managers, and essential video
graphics card fundamentals such as PCI Express versus PCI, VGA (DMS-59) versus DVI connectors, and
3D versus 2D accelerated graphics.
Linux graphics drivers for HP workstations
While Linux distributions offer graphics support within their packaging, HP recommends using the
accelerated device drivers available for its workstations at http://www.hp.com or on support media
included with the products. These drivers enable the latest features for supported devices and are
quality tested for specific enterprise Linux distributions. They are available with the HP Linux Installer Kit,
with the SLED 11 preload on the Z Series and xw4600 Workstations. These drivers are also available
from the HP Workstation Support site at http://www.hp.com/go/workstationsupport .
Driver packages available from HP build proprietary kernel modules provided by the graphics vendors.
They require properly matched kernel development source header files and compiler tools to properly
install on configured workstations. They also require system administrator (root) privileges and a system
restart to complete installation.
NOTE: If installation is attempted while an X server is running at system init level 5, then installation
and enablement are completed after the workstation is restarted. See individual vendor sections below
for additional installation specifics.
Linux graphics drivers for HP workstations 15