Nvidia GeForce Quadro NVS Graphics Driver 337.19 Beta for Linux 64-bit

This article provides information about the Nvidia GeForce Quadro NVS Graphics Driver 337.19 Beta, specifically designed for 64-bit Linux operating systems. Released as a beta version, this driver aimed to deliver performance enhancements and bug fixes for users of Nvidia Quadro and NVS series professional graphics cards. While this particular driver is now quite dated, understanding its features and intended use can provide valuable context for users working with legacy systems or those interested in the historical development of Nvidia’s driver technology.

Understanding the Nvidia GeForce Quadro and NVS Series

Before delving into the specifics of the 337.19 Beta driver, it’s important to understand the target hardware. The Nvidia Quadro and NVS series are professional-grade graphics cards engineered for demanding applications such as:

Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Software like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and CATIA heavily relies on precise and stable graphics rendering. Quadro cards are designed to excel in these environments.
Digital Content Creation (DCC): Applications like Adobe Premiere Pro, Maya, and 3ds Max benefit from the high performance and optimized drivers of Quadro cards.
Scientific Visualization: Displaying and manipulating complex datasets requires powerful graphics capabilities, making Quadro cards suitable for research and development.
Multi-Display Environments: NVS (Nvidia Vertical Solutions) cards are specifically designed for powering multiple displays, making them ideal for financial trading floors, control rooms, and digital signage applications.

Unlike GeForce cards, which prioritize gaming performance, Quadro and NVS cards emphasize accuracy, stability, and certification with professional software applications. This certification ensures that the cards and drivers are thoroughly tested and validated to work seamlessly with these critical applications.

Overview of the Nvidia GeForce Quadro NVS Graphics Driver 337.19 Beta

The Nvidia GeForce Quadro NVS Graphics Driver 337.19 Beta for Linux 64-bit was a test release intended to provide early access to new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes for users of compatible Nvidia Quadro and NVS graphics cards running on 64-bit Linux systems. As a beta driver, it was important for users to understand that it might contain unforeseen issues and should be used with caution, particularly in production environments.

Key Aspects of the Driver:

Version Number: 337.19
Platform: Linux 64-bit
Target Hardware: Nvidia Quadro and NVS series graphics cards
Release Type: Beta

Intended Benefits (based on typical beta driver releases):

Performance Enhancements: Optimizations for specific applications or workloads.
Bug Fixes: Addressing known issues from previous driver versions.
New Features: Potential introduction of new functionalities or capabilities.
Improved Compatibility: Enhanced support for newer Linux distributions or kernel versions.

What’s New in the 337.19 Beta (General Expectations)

While the original release notes aren’t available to provide specific details on the "What’s New" section, typical beta driver releases from Nvidia often include the following types of changes:

OpenGL Updates: Implementation of new OpenGL extensions or improvements to existing OpenGL functionality.
CUDA Enhancements: Updates to the CUDA toolkit for parallel computing on Nvidia GPUs.
X Server Updates: Improvements related to the X Window System, which is the foundation for graphical environments on Linux.
Application-Specific Optimizations: Targeted performance improvements for popular professional applications.
Bug Fixes: Resolution of issues related to display corruption, application crashes, or driver instability.

Without the original release notes, it’s impossible to pinpoint the exact changes included in the 337.19 Beta. However, users who installed the driver likely did so to address specific issues they were experiencing or to take advantage of potential performance gains in their professional applications.

Supported Products

The Nvidia GeForce Quadro NVS Graphics Driver 337.19 Beta for Linux 64-bit supported a range of Quadro and NVS cards available at the time of its release. While a comprehensive list isn’t available from the source document, it’s reasonable to assume that the driver supported many of the Quadro and NVS cards that were current or relatively recent at the time of its release in 2014. These could include:

Quadro Series: Quadro K6000, Quadro K5200, Quadro K5000, Quadro K4200, Quadro K4000, Quadro K2200, Quadro K2000, Quadro K620, Quadro K600, Quadro 410.
NVS Series: NVS 510, NVS 315, NVS 310.

Users should always consult the official Nvidia documentation or driver release notes to confirm compatibility with their specific hardware.

Downloading the Nvidia GeForce Quadro NVS Graphics Driver 337.19 Beta

The filename for the driver is: NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-337.19.run

Download Link: This driver may be difficult to find directly from Nvidia due to its age. However, you might be able to locate it on driver archive sites. Please be cautious when downloading drivers from unofficial sources and ensure you scan the file for viruses before installation.

Direct Download (Potentially available from archive sites, use with caution): [Link to a hypothetical archive site – Replace with an actual link if found and verified safe. Example: www.exampledriverarchive.com/NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-337.19.run ]

Alternative Download Link (Driver Repository): https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/drivers/unix/legacy-gpu/ – This link takes you to Nvidia’s legacy driver page. You may be able to search for the 337.19 driver or a similar version for your specific Quadro/NVS card here.

Disclaimer: Downloading and installing drivers from unofficial sources carries inherent risks. Always verify the integrity of the downloaded file and scan it with antivirus software before installation. Consider using a virtual machine for testing purposes.

Installation Considerations

Installing Nvidia drivers on Linux typically involves the following steps:

Download the Driver: Obtain the NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-337.19.run file (or the appropriate driver for your card and Linux distribution).
Stop the X Server: This is crucial as the driver installation requires exclusive access to the graphics hardware. This can usually be done by switching to a text-based console (e.g., Ctrl+Alt+F1) and stopping the display manager (e.g., sudo service lightdm stop or sudo service gdm stop). The command will vary depending on your Linux distribution.
Make the Driver Executable: Use the chmod +x NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-337.19.run command to make the driver file executable.
Run the Installer: Execute the driver file with sudo ./NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-337.19.run.
Follow the On-Screen Instructions: The Nvidia installer will guide you through the installation process.
Restart the X Server: After the installation is complete, restart the display manager (e.g., sudo service lightdm start or sudo service gdm start).

Important Notes:

Kernel Headers: Ensure that you have the correct kernel headers installed for your Linux kernel. The Nvidia driver requires these headers to compile kernel modules.
Secure Boot: If your system uses Secure Boot, you may need to disable it or enroll the Nvidia driver’s signing key to allow the driver to load.
Distribution-Specific Instructions: Consult your Linux distribution’s documentation for specific instructions on installing Nvidia drivers. Some distributions provide pre-built packages that simplify the installation process.

Conclusion

The Nvidia GeForce Quadro NVS Graphics Driver 337.19 Beta for Linux 64-bit represented an incremental step in the ongoing development of Nvidia’s professional graphics drivers. While this specific beta release is now quite old, understanding its purpose and the context of Quadro and NVS graphics cards provides valuable insight for users working with legacy systems or those interested in the history of Nvidia’s driver technology. Always exercise caution when installing beta drivers and ensure that you have a backup plan in case of issues. Remember to verify compatibility with your specific hardware and Linux distribution before proceeding with the installation.