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ASUS Laptop and Ubuntu GNOME: What Happens to Device Drivers?

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In this article, we will delve into what happens to device drivers when you install Ubuntu GNOME on your ASUS laptop. The process of installing Ubuntu GNOME does not affect the ASUS device driver software that comes with Windows 10. However, after the installation, you will need to install the drivers for various hardware components such as WiFi, graphics, and sound separately on Ubuntu.

Quick Answer

When you install Ubuntu GNOME on your ASUS laptop, the device drivers that come with Windows 10 are not affected. However, you will need to install the drivers for various hardware components separately on Ubuntu, such as WiFi, graphics, and sound.

Understanding Device Drivers

Device drivers are essential software that allows your operating system to interact with hardware components. Without the correct drivers, your hardware may not work as expected or at all. When you switch from Windows to Ubuntu, you need to ensure that you have the right drivers installed for your hardware to function optimally.

The Built-in Additional Drivers Utility in Ubuntu

Ubuntu comes with a built-in utility known as the Additional Drivers utility. This utility helps you install drivers for most hardware. However, it might not support all models of graphics cards and WiFi adapters. In such cases, you will need to install the drivers manually from the terminal.

Checking Available Drivers

To see a list of available drivers compatible with your hardware, open the terminal and type the following command:

ubuntu-drivers devices

This command scans your computer and generates a list of drivers. The output will display package names and short descriptions of the available drivers. It may also recommend proprietary drivers if they are available for your system.

The ubuntu-drivers devices command may not show graphics drivers that are not available from the official Ubuntu repositories. If you have installed a proprietary graphics driver from a different source, it may still be listed as the recommended driver even if it is not functioning properly.

Finding Specific Drivers

If you need to find the specific driver required for your wireless device, you can use the following command in the terminal:

lspci -nn | grep 0280

This command displays the eight-digit PCI.ID for your wireless device. You can then search for this PCI.ID on Ask Ubuntu or Ubuntu Forums to find out which driver is required.

Installing NVIDIA SETTINGS

For GUI users, especially those with a GeForce graphics card, it’s crucial to install NVIDIA SETTINGS via the software resources available with Ubuntu.

Conclusion

Before installing Ubuntu GNOME, make sure to note down the graphics model and WiFi adapter in your ASUS laptop. After the installation, if any devices are not functioning correctly, you can refer to the information above to install the necessary drivers. The process may seem daunting, but with a little patience and the right resources, you can ensure that your ASUS laptop runs smoothly with Ubuntu GNOME.

Can I use the device drivers that come with Windows 10 on my ASUS laptop after installing Ubuntu GNOME?

No, after installing Ubuntu GNOME, you will need to install the drivers for various hardware components separately on Ubuntu.

How can I install device drivers for hardware components on Ubuntu GNOME?

Ubuntu GNOME comes with a built-in utility called the Additional Drivers utility that helps you install drivers for most hardware. However, if it does not support your specific hardware, you may need to install the drivers manually from the terminal.

How can I check the available drivers compatible with my hardware on Ubuntu GNOME?

You can open the terminal and use the command ubuntu-drivers devices to see a list of available drivers compatible with your hardware. The output will display package names and short descriptions of the available drivers.

What should I do if the `ubuntu-drivers devices` command does not show the graphics drivers I need?

If the ubuntu-drivers devices command does not show the graphics drivers you need, it may be because they are not available from the official Ubuntu repositories. In such cases, you may need to search for and install the specific drivers manually from other sources.

How can I find the specific driver required for my wireless device on Ubuntu GNOME?

You can use the command lspci -nn | grep 0280 in the terminal to display the eight-digit PCI.ID for your wireless device. You can then search for this PCI.ID on Ask Ubuntu or Ubuntu Forums to find out which driver is required.

Is it important to install NVIDIA SETTINGS for users with a GeForce graphics card?

Yes, it is crucial for GUI users, especially those with a GeForce graphics card, to install NVIDIA SETTINGS via the software resources available with Ubuntu GNOME.

What should I do if any devices are not functioning correctly after installing Ubuntu GNOME?

If any devices are not functioning correctly after installing Ubuntu GNOME, you can refer to the provided information and follow the steps to install the necessary drivers. It may require some patience and the use of online resources, such as Ask Ubuntu or Ubuntu Forums, to find the correct drivers for your specific hardware.

Is the process of installing device drivers on Ubuntu GNOME difficult?

The process of installing device drivers on Ubuntu GNOME may seem daunting at first, but with the right resources and a little patience, you can ensure that your ASUS laptop runs smoothly with Ubuntu GNOME.

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