People,
I have Spring 2007.1 and when trying to play PP racer, it is woeful! Really jerky and slow - unplayable really (same on 2007, 2006) . Since it was has been PP racer (Tux Racer had same issues on Mandrake 9 & 10.1 on my old PC but I somehow fixed it).
Super Tux is in the same boat, as are other games. Basic, simple ones seem okay (Tetris clone etc.)

I have Pentium 4, 3.2Ghz, 1Gb RAM, GeForce FX 5700VE 256Mb video card. The settings for the video card are:

Identification
Vendor: ?nVidia Corporation

Description: ?NV36.4 [GeForce FX 5700VE]

Media class: ?VGA compatible controller

Connection
Bus: ?PCI

Bus PCI #: ?1

PCI device #: ?0

PCI function #: ?0

Vendor ID: ?0x10de

Device ID: ?0x0344

Misc
Module: ?Card:NVIDIA GeForce FX - GeForce 7950


Any ideas where I should start looking?

Myles.

Did you install the nvidia driver?

Have a look at this thread for instructions (the post by Greg2) link

Thanks. I forgot to go to the FAQ's (I did once before). I tried to install the driver once before back on 2006 or 2007.0 - I downloaded the instructions from nVidia website, printed out the instructions - what a nightmare. And I remember it not going too well then so I gave up.

I have followed the instructions for both easyurpmi and smart-urpmi. I then executed the 'urpmi dkms-nvidia´ command and got a list of 42 things to select 1 from:

urpmi dkms-nvidia
One of the following packages is needed:
1- kernel-source-stripped-2.6.17.13mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The source code of the Linux kernel stripped for post build (to install)
2- kernel-source-stripped-2.6.17.14mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The source code of the Linux kernel stripped for post build (to install)
3- kernel-tmb-desktop586-smp-devel-2.6.20.11-1mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-tmb-desktop586-smp-2.6.20.11-1mdv (to install)
4- kernel-tmb-desktop-devel-2.6.20.4-3mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-tmb-desktop-2.6.20.4-3mdv (to install)
5- kernel-tmb-server-devel-2.6.21.5-1mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-tmb-server-2.6.21.5-1mdv (to install)
6- kernel-tmb-source-2.6.21.5-1mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The Linux source code for kernel-tmb-2.6.21.5-1mdv (to install)
7- kernel-tmb-server-devel-2.6.20.4-3mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-tmb-server-2.6.20.4-3mdv (to install)
8- kernel-tmb-desktop-smp-devel-2.6.21.5-1mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-tmb-desktop-smp-2.6.21.5-1mdv (to install)
9- kernel-tmb-source-2.6.20.7-3mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The Linux source code for kernel-tmb-2.6.20.7-3mdv (to install)
10- kernel-vserver-source-stripped-2.6.19.1-1mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The source code of the Linux kernel stripped for post build (to install)
11- kernel-tmb-source-2.6.20.4-3mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The Linux source code for kernel-tmb-2.6.20.4-3mdv (to install)
12- kernel-tmb-desktop-smp-devel-2.6.20.4-3mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-tmb-desktop-smp-2.6.20.4-3mdv (to install)
13- kernel-tmb-desktop586-devel-2.6.21.5-1mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-tmb-desktop586-2.6.21.5-1mdv (to install)
14- kernel-source-2.6.17.13mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The source code for the Linux kernel (to install)
15- kernel-tmb-desktop586-devel-2.6.20.7-3mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-tmb-desktop586-2.6.20.7-3mdv (to install)
16- kernel-linus-smp-devel-2.6.21-0.rc3.4mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-linus-smp devel files for 3rdparty modules build (to install)
17- kernel-linus-source-2.6.21-0.rc3.4mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The source code for the Linux kernel (to install)
18- kernel-tmb-server-devel-2.6.20.11-1mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-tmb-server-2.6.20.11-1mdv (to install)
19- kernel-tmb-desktop586-smp-devel-2.6.20.7-3mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-tmb-desktop586-smp-2.6.20.7-3mdv (to install)
20- kernel-multimedia-laptop-devel-2.6.17.14-5mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-multimedia-laptop-2.6.17.14-5mdv (to install)
21- kernel-tmb-desktop-devel-2.6.20.7-3mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-tmb-desktop-2.6.20.7-3mdv (to install)
22- kernel-multimedia-desktop-smp-devel-2.6.17.14-5mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-multimedia-desktop-smp-2.6.17.14-5mdv (to install)
23- kernel-tmb-desktop-smp-devel-2.6.20.11-1mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-tmb-desktop-smp-2.6.20.11-1mdv (to install)
24- kernel-vserver-source-2.6.19.1-1mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The source code for the Linux kernel (to install)
25- kernel-tmb-server-smp-devel-2.6.21.5-1mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-tmb-server-smp-2.6.21.5-1mdv (to install)
26- kernel-tmb-desktop-smp-devel-2.6.20.7-3mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-tmb-desktop-smp-2.6.20.7-3mdv (to install)
27- kernel-tmb-desktop586-devel-2.6.20.11-1mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-tmb-desktop586-2.6.20.11-1mdv (to install)
28- kernel-tmb-source-2.6.20.11-1mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The Linux source code for kernel-tmb-2.6.20.11-1mdv (to install)
29- kernel-multimedia-desktop-devel-2.6.17.14-5mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-multimedia-desktop-2.6.17.14-5mdv (to install)
30- kernel-tmb-desktop586-smp-devel-2.6.21.5-1mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-tmb-desktop586-smp-2.6.21.5-1mdv (to install)
31- kernel-tmb-server-smp-devel-2.6.20.4-3mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-tmb-server-smp-2.6.20.4-3mdv (to install)
32- kernel-multimedia-source-2.6.17.14-5mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The source code for the Linux kernel-multimedia-2.6.17.14-5mdv (to install)
33- kernel-tmb-server-smp-devel-2.6.20.7-3mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-tmb-server-smp-2.6.20.7-3mdv (to install)
34- kernel-tmb-desktop-devel-2.6.21.5-1mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-tmb-desktop-2.6.21.5-1mdv (to install)
35- kernel-multimedia-laptop-smp-devel-2.6.17.14-5mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-multimedia-laptop-smp-2.6.17.14-5mdv (to install)
36- kernel-tmb-server-smp-devel-2.6.20.11-1mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-tmb-server-smp-2.6.20.11-1mdv (to install)
37- kernel-tmb-desktop586-smp-devel-2.6.20.4-3mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-tmb-desktop586-smp-2.6.20.4-3mdv (to install)
38- kernel-tmb-server-devel-2.6.20.7-3mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-tmb-server-2.6.20.7-3mdv (to install)
39- kernel-linus-devel-2.6.21-0.rc3.4mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-linus devel files for 3rdparty modules build (to install)
40- kernel-source-2.6.17.14mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The source code for the Linux kernel (to install)
41- kernel-tmb-desktop-devel-2.6.20.11-1mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-tmb-desktop-2.6.20.11-1mdv (to install)
42- kernel-tmb-desktop586-devel-2.6.20.4-3mdv-1-1mdv2007.1.i586: The kernel-devel files for kernel-tmb-desktop586-2.6.20.4-3mdv (to install)
What is your choice? (1-42)

So now I have no idea which of these 42 (aaahh the meaning of life!) to choose to get the correct driver installed.

Also, I just tried to install the latest nVidia driver as per the nVidia instructions on their site, and I found that I need to have a kernel source code to compile a 'kernel interface' and then it tried to download one from nVidia - no go - and tried to compile something and got a 'cc' is not in my path (Lib GCC). So the above might be related. How do I find whats in my 'path'?? This is from the /var/log/nvidia-installer.log

Using: nvidia-installer ncurses user interface
-> License accepted.
-> No precompiled kernel interface was found to match your kernel; would you li
ke the installer to attempt to download a kernel interface for your kernel f
rom the NVIDIA ftp site (ftp://download.nvidia.com)? (Answer: Yes)
-> No matching precompiled kernel interface was found on the NVIDIA ftp site;
this means that the installer will need to compile a kernel interface for
your kernel.
ERROR: Unable to find the development tool `cc` in your path; please make sure
that you have the package 'gcc' installed. If gcc is installed on your
system, then please check that `cc` is in your PATH.

Myles.

I think using the 'urpmi dkms-nvidia´ method will be easier for you.

From the 42 items, you need to select the package that matches the kernel you are using in Spring 2007.1.

When you open the KDE Control Center, what is the release number given on the screen? This number is the version of the kernel you are using.

As daniewicz has already said “open the KDE Control Center”, or in terminal doand select the kernel version that matches your kernel. If you haven't upgraded your kernel, it should be 1 or 2.

daniewicz & greg2, I want to thank you for your help so far (oh, and the others at the other links of course) --the links and advice etc. I tried the uprmi dkms-nvidia and selected number 2 of the 42. I had some funny msgs during the compile something like errorcode: 2 at various points, but didn't save the error file and now can find it (or know where to look for it). Anyway, modified the Xorg.conf file and changed the relevant parts 'nv' to 'nVidia' and 'glx' was already defined.
Okay, so I restart X, login, get the nVidia splash screen, go the Configure you computer > Hardware > Configure your computer for 3d effects > Enter......Boom, back to the X login screen! Login in again, nvidia splash screen; go to games > PPracer......Boom, back to login screen!

I had a look at one of the cmds in the nvidia doco 'xdpyinfo' which shows glx extension loaded but no nv-glx extension. Also in the X log is this (for the failures above):
EE) NVIDIA(0): Failed to initialize the GLX module; please check in your X
(EE) NVIDIA(0): log file that the GLX module has been loaded in your X
(EE) NVIDIA(0): server, and that the module is the NVIDIA GLX module. If
(EE) NVIDIA(0): you continue to encounter problems, Please try
(EE) NVIDIA(0): reinstalling the NVIDIA driver.

But here? the section of xorg.conf:

Section "Module"
Load "dbe" # Double-Buffering Extension
Load "v4l" # Video for Linux
Load "extmod"
Load "type1"
Load "freetype"
Load "glx" # 3D layer
EndSection

So, where to now?? Maybe I tried to follow too many paths at once to the same destination (never a good thing) and have screwed myself up.
Is there a way I can back off the driver; and go the whole 'urpmi dkms-nvidia' route again??? (this seems the simpler one - or now I understand a bit more about it - go the official nvidia driver install route)

Myles.

urpme xxxx removes the rpm (and dependencies)

then reinstall dkms-nvidia and carefully note any errors or feedback to the screen

daniewicz,

I appreciate you sticking with this. I must say I am not a complete computer/PC idiot - I've been in IT since 1976 (mainframes till about 1996 or so then open systems - yes Winblows); linux since RH 4.1 I think (all the time just dabbling a teeny, weeny little bit on the side) - still Windows :-(oriented due to work - M$ is god there! - puke!!!!!).

I must admit I'm enjoying this as I have spent a lot more time on Linux (but still frustrated), as I'm off this week sick and can now focus on Linux and getting things going while the family is out at the Kanga Cup soccer tournament! I am now understanding things a lot more using it more fluently! Yeah!

Okay - so that command would be " urpme nvidia" ???? If that works.....

Then I'll re-do dkms-nivdia etc and THIS time - note carefully errors and/or their location!

or is the nVidia instructions the better way to go????

Keep up the good work!



Myles.

Before you start removing and reinstalling things (if you haven't already done so), I would suggest that you make a small change or two, and check some things out.
Try changing this line in your xorg.conftoand make sure your “Device” section has these linesThen restart X, and before you try to enable the 3D desktop, please post the output ofandPlease run glxgears for a least 3 lines of output.

Guys,
No, I haven't done anything yet - spent most of yesterday doing other non-PC things!

Okay, Greg, I'll try those things that you have suggested first and post the results. I won't get around to doing that till tomorrow (OZ time) so I'll hopefully post results tomorrow arvo or tomorrow night (OZ time).

Myles.

Okay, I tried all of what you suggested Greg - to no avail! I changed the code in Xorg.conf; stopped X; restarted X; did the "glxinfo |grep direct" command and tried to pipe to a txt file - no good. I would get the nVidia splash screen and then back to the X login screen. Same result running the 'glxgears' comand!

Myles

I would remove the nvidia driver and try to reinstall it again.

I'm not sure I understand this? Do you mean that after you ran the command 'glxinfo |grep direct' you immediately dropped to a login screen without an X-server?

Greg,
Yep, I type in 'glxinfo |grep direct' just as you specified, I press Enter, I briefly see the nVidia splash screen and drop out back to the graphical login screen, and I have to login again. Exactly the same thing happens when I execute the 'glxgears' command - I briefly see the nVidia splash screen and drop out to the graphical login screen, and I have to login again.

While in this state, if I try to play Planet Penguin Racer - same thing - nVidia splash screen and drop out to th graphical login screen!

So do I 'urpme xxxxx' and start again???

Myles.

Yes, at this point I believe that will be easiest for you... rather then trying to troubleshot this.

Greg and daniewicz,
Okay, I'll see how that goes. As I said before, I probably stuffed up by trying toomany things at the same time!

Thankyou som much for your help, much appreciated.

Myles.

Just to update you,
I've been struck down by a virus (it's Winter here in OZ), so I've been off the air a bit. I actually did the urpme xxxxxx' remove command, but have not been able to gert back to attempt the re-install. I've had a SHOCKER of a work week and it's my daughter's 14th birthday this weekend so there goes that. Maybe next week.........

Myles.