This article provides information about the Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Notebook Driver 197.44 for Windows XP. This driver release includes both Windows and Linux drivers, specifically version 197.44 for Windows and version 195.36.07.04 for Linux. A key highlight of this release is its comprehensive support for OpenGL, including versions 4.0 and 3.3, along with their respective GLSL (OpenGL Shading Language) counterparts, GLSL 4.00 and GLSL 3.30. This enhanced support allows developers and users to leverage the latest features and capabilities of the OpenGL API for improved graphics rendering and application performance.
OpenGL 4.0 and 3.3 Support Details
The Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Notebook Driver 197.44 significantly expands OpenGL support on compatible NVIDIA hardware. To understand the implications of this, let’s delve into the specifics of OpenGL 4.0 and 3.3.
OpenGL (Open Graphics Library) is a cross-language, cross-platform API for rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics. It is widely used in various applications, including video games, CAD software, and scientific visualization. Each new version of OpenGL introduces new features, improved performance, and enhanced capabilities for developers.
OpenGL 4.0 and GLSL 4.00:
To utilize the full potential of OpenGL 4.0 and GLSL 4.00, your system must be equipped with an NVIDIA GPU based on the Fermi architecture. Fermi was a groundbreaking GPU architecture known for its advanced features and performance enhancements.
OpenGL 3.3 and GLSL 3.30:
OpenGL 3.3 and GLSL 3.30 have broader hardware support, encompassing a wider range of NVIDIA GPUs.
For Desktop users, the following GPUs are compatible:
- Quadro FX series: 370, 570, 1700, 3700, 4600, 4700×2, 4800, 5600, 5800, VX200, CX
- GeForce 8000 series and higher: Including G100, GT120, 130, 220, GTS 150, GTS 250, GT310, 320, 330, 340, GTX 260 and higher, and any ION based products.
For Notebook users, compatibility includes:
- Quadro FX series: 360M, 370M, 570M, 770M, 1600M, 1700M, 2700M, 2800M, 3600M, 3700M, 3800M
- GeForce 8000 series and higher
New OpenGL Extensions
This driver release introduces new extensions for different OpenGL versions, further expanding the API’s functionality.
OpenGL 2 Extensions (Also in Core OpenGL 3.3):
ARB_texture_swizzle: Provides more flexible control over texture color channel manipulation.ARB_sampler_objects: Enables the creation and management of sampler objects, which define how textures are sampled.ARB_occlusion_query2: Allows for more precise occlusion queries, improving rendering efficiency.ARB_timer_query: Introduces timer queries for measuring GPU performance.ARB_explicit_attrib_location: Provides explicit control over attribute locations in shaders.
OpenGL 4 Extensions:
ARB_texture_compression_bptc: Adds support for BPTC (Block Pointer Compression) texture compression format.EXT_shader_image_load_store: Enables shaders to directly load and store data from textures and images.EXT_vertex_attrib_64bit: Introduces 64-bit vertex attributes for increased precision.NV_gpu_shader5: Extends the GPU shader language with new features and capabilities.NV_gpu_program5: Introduces new GPU program features and capabilities.NV_tessellation_program5: Provides tessellation program functionality for creating detailed surfaces.NV_vertex_attrib_integer_64bit: Adds support for 64-bit integer vertex attributes.NV_shader_buffer_store: Allows shaders to store data in shader storage buffers.
The Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Notebook Driver 197.44 also provides ARB extensions for all features in OpenGL 3.3 for OpenGL 3 capable hardware, and for all features in OpenGL 3.3 and 4.0 for OpenGL 4 capable hardware.
OpenGL 4.0 Usage and Context Creation
To leverage OpenGL 3.0 and later versions, applications must explicitly "opt-in." This is achieved through the CreateContextAttribsARB function (defined in the WGL/GLX_ARB_create_context extensions), which allows you to request a context that supports OpenGL 3 or 4.
For OpenGL 3.2 and later (including OpenGL 4.0), you must also specify the desired OpenGL context profile: either "Core" or "Compatibility." The Core profile focuses on modern OpenGL features, while the Compatibility profile includes deprecated features for backward compatibility. NVIDIA recommends using a Compatibility profile for maximum compatibility with existing OpenGL code.
Deprecation and Compatibility
The OpenGL ARB (Architecture Review Board) introduced a deprecation mechanism with OpenGL 3.0, marking certain features for removal in future versions. OpenGL 3.1 removed the deprecated features from OpenGL 3.0. However, the ARB_compatibility extension was created to reintroduce these removed features back into OpenGL 3.1. NVIDIA supports this extension across all its OpenGL 3 capable offerings, ensuring backward compatibility.
Starting with OpenGL 3.2, the OpenGL ARB introduced two profiles: "Core" and "Compatibility." The Core profile builds upon OpenGL 3.1 without ARB_compatibility, while the Compatibility profile builds upon OpenGL 3.1 with ARB_compatibility. NVIDIA provides OpenGL 4.0 specifications for both profiles.
NVIDIA emphasizes its commitment to supporting existing applications and minimizing disruption for developers. The company fully supports the ARB_compatibility extension and the Compatibility profile, ensuring that no functionality is removed from its OpenGL drivers, including deprecated features.
Hardware Support for OpenGL 3 and 4
OpenGL 3 requires G80 or newer NVIDIA hardware. This excludes NV3x, NV4x, and G7x hardware.
OpenGL 4 requires a Fermi GPU, excluding NV3x, NV4x, G7x, G8x, and GT2xx hardware.
Performance of Deprecated Features
NVIDIA ensures that deprecated features will not experience performance degradation on its hardware. The company recognizes the importance of these features for many customers and is committed to providing full performance, support, and issue resolution for all deprecated features. The functionality in the ARB_compatibility extension and Compatibility profile will continue to operate at maximum performance.
Driver Download and Bug Reporting
You can download the Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Notebook Driver 197.44 for Windows XP from https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/13524/.
For reporting any bugs or issues, please utilize the NVIDIA developer website: https://nvdeveloper.nvidia.com/.
Alternative Download Links:
While the primary download link is provided above, here are a few alternative sources where you might find the Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Notebook Driver 197.44:
- Softpedia: https://drivers.softpedia.com/get/Graphics-Board/Nvidia/NVIDIA-GeForce-ION-Graphics-Driver-197-44-for-Windows-XP.shtml
- DriverGuide: (Requires registration, use with caution) https://www.driverguide.com/driver/detail.php?driverid=1539477
- Guru3D (Check forums for user-uploaded drivers, verify integrity): https://forums.guru3d.com/ (Search the forums)
- FileHippo (Check for older driver archives): https://filehippo.com/ (Search the site)
- MajorGeeks (Check for older driver archives): https://www.majorgeeks.com/ (Search the site)
Note: Always exercise caution when downloading drivers from third-party websites. Ensure the file is legitimate and virus-free before installation. The Nvidia GeForce Ion Graphics Notebook Driver 197.44 provides essential updates.