This article provides information regarding the Nvidia GeForce Quadro Graphics Driver 319.12 Beta, specifically tailored for the FreeBSD 64-bit operating system. Released in beta form, this driver aimed to deliver enhanced performance and features for users leveraging Nvidia Quadro graphics cards within the FreeBSD environment. The information presented here reflects the state of the driver as of April 10, 2013, the last updated date associated with this release.
Overview
The Nvidia GeForce Quadro Graphics Driver 319.12 Beta for FreeBSD 64-bit represents a specific iteration of Nvidia’s driver development cycle. Beta drivers are typically released to allow users to test new features and provide feedback before a final, stable version is made available. This particular driver was designed to support a range of Nvidia Quadro professional graphics cards under the FreeBSD operating system.
FreeBSD is a Unix-like operating system known for its stability and performance, particularly in server environments. The availability of optimized drivers is crucial for ensuring that graphics cards function correctly and deliver their intended performance within this operating system. This Nvidia GeForce Quadro Graphics Driver 319.12 Beta for FreeBSD 64-bit release was a step towards providing such optimization.
What’s New
Unfortunately, the provided source material lacks specific details regarding the new features and improvements included in this beta release. Typically, Nvidia driver releases include:
- Performance Enhancements: Optimizations to improve rendering speed and overall graphics performance in various applications.
- Bug Fixes: Resolutions to known issues and errors present in previous driver versions.
- New Feature Support: Implementation of support for new graphics technologies or features introduced in newer Quadro cards.
- Compatibility Updates: Ensuring compatibility with the latest FreeBSD kernel and related system libraries.
Without concrete information on the actual changes in the Nvidia GeForce Quadro Graphics Driver 319.12 Beta for FreeBSD 64-bit, it is impossible to list the specific improvements offered. Users who tested this driver at the time likely relied on Nvidia’s official release notes (if available) or their own testing to determine the benefits.
Supported Products
The original information is also missing the list of supported products. Nvidia Quadro cards are professional-grade graphics cards designed for demanding applications such as:
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- Digital Content Creation (DCC)
- Scientific Visualization
- Medical Imaging
Typically, Nvidia releases a single driver package to support a wide range of Quadro cards from different generations. However, it’s crucial to check the official Nvidia documentation or release notes to confirm that your specific Quadro card model is supported by the Nvidia GeForce Quadro Graphics Driver 319.12 Beta for FreeBSD 64-bit. If the precise models were available, they would likely have been listed in the original release announcement. The range of supported cards would usually include models from the Quadro FX, Quadro K, Quadro M, and potentially even the Quadro P series, depending on their release dates relative to the driver.
Installation
The installation process for Nvidia drivers on FreeBSD usually involves the following steps:
- Download the Driver: Obtain the driver package from the Nvidia website or a trusted mirror.
- Extract the Archive: Unpack the downloaded
NVIDIA-FreeBSD-x86_64-319.12.tar.gzarchive. - Stop the X Server: Ensure that the X Window System (the graphical interface) is not running. This usually involves stopping the display manager (e.g.,
kdm,gdm,xdm). - Run the Installer: Execute the
nvidia-installerscript with root privileges. This script will guide you through the installation process, including compiling the kernel module. - Configure Xorg: Modify the Xorg configuration file (
/etc/X11/xorg.conf) to use the Nvidia driver. This typically involves setting theDriveroption to"nvidia"in theDevicesection. - Reboot: Restart the system to load the new driver.
Important Considerations:
- Kernel Compatibility: Ensure that the driver is compatible with your FreeBSD kernel version. Incompatibilities can lead to system instability.
- Dependencies: The Nvidia driver may require certain system libraries or development tools to be installed. Consult the Nvidia documentation for a list of dependencies.
- Read the Documentation: Carefully review the Nvidia driver documentation for FreeBSD before attempting to install the driver. The documentation may contain important information about compatibility, configuration, and troubleshooting.
Driver Download Links
Here are the download links for the Nvidia GeForce Quadro Graphics Driver 319.12 Beta for FreeBSD 64-bit:
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Original Download Link: Download NVIDIA-FreeBSD-x86_64-319.12.tar.gz
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Alternative Download Link: Because the original Nvidia link may be unavailable after many years, here’s an alternative link to a repository where you may find this specific driver (use with caution and verify the file integrity): Archive.org – NVIDIA-FreeBSD-x86_64-319.12.tar.gz Note: This link is provided as a potential resource. Ensure the file is legitimate and virus-free before installation.
Disclaimer
The Nvidia GeForce Quadro Graphics Driver 319.12 Beta for FreeBSD 64-bit was released in beta form, meaning it may contain bugs or instability. It is recommended to use caution when installing beta drivers, especially on production systems. Always back up your data before installing new drivers. Nvidia may no longer provide support for this specific driver version. This information is provided for historical purposes and is based on the limited information available from the source material.
Conclusion
The Nvidia GeForce Quadro Graphics Driver 319.12 Beta for FreeBSD 64-bit represented an effort to provide optimized graphics support for Nvidia Quadro cards within the FreeBSD operating system. While specific details regarding the changes and supported products are lacking in the provided source, understanding the general context of beta driver releases and the typical installation process can be helpful for users seeking to leverage Nvidia graphics hardware in FreeBSD environments. Always prioritize consulting official Nvidia documentation and release notes for the most accurate and up-to-date information.