Nvidia software gets cozier with Linux

Graphics chip leader Nvidia has enhanced the software that makes the company's chips work with Linux PCs.

The company on Wednesday released an updated version of its Unified Driver file, which includes drivers for hundreds of Nvidia products. Drivers are software that tells an operating system how to interact with PC hardware such as graphics chips and printers.

The new driver release focuses on enhancements for PCs running Linux, the open-source operating system that gradually is gaining ground on desktop PCs.

The new driver includes support for CineFX, the new graphics chip design powering Nvidia's recently unveiled GeForce FX and subsequent generations of graphics chips. The driver also supports upcoming high-end processors from Advanced Micro Devices.

Andrew Fear, software product manager for Nvidia, said timely driver support is an important factor in growing business acceptance of Linux on the desktop.

"People want to switch to Linux to save money," he said. "But if you're wasting a lot of time trying to find support, there goes the savings."

The updated driver is available for download from Nvidia.