In comp.os.linux.hardware linuxquestion@yahoo.com wrote:
> So get this. Each time you upgrade your kernel,
> you get to struggle upgrading your Nvidia video
> drivers once again too. Isn't that nice.

No. Every time you build a new kernel, you cd into the directory:
[wherever you unpacked the nvidia driver]/NVIDIA-(version)/usr/src/nv/
Read the README in that directory, then
$ make
a new interface module for nVidia, nvidia.o, then copy it across to
the relevant
/lib/modules/(kernel version)/kernel/drivers/video/
directory.

> And they have a really difficult time installing
> with more than one kernel on the machine.

If the kernel versions are different, ie you have a 2.4.21, a 2.4.22
then you build a 2.4.24 you'll have an nvidia.o in each place, and
each will suit the relevant kernel.

If you are playing with multiple kernels of the same version, you'll
have the potential for module conflicts in general. That's not
confined to the nvidia module. Some modules compile differently
depening upon kernel configuration options. Using some with a
different kernel can cause some interesting effects...

> Why must Nvidia's drivers tie into the base operating
> system kernel? Why are they not self contained, separate
> from the kernel?

Because they perform as well as they do _because_ of the way they
are tied into the kernel.

--
Athol
<http://cust.idl.com.au/athol>
Linux Registered User # 254000
I'm a Libran Engineer. I don't argue, I discuss.