Nvidia GeForce Quadro Graphics Driver 319.60 for Linux 64-bit

This article provides an overview of the Nvidia GeForce Quadro Graphics Driver 319.60 for Linux 64-bit. Released in October 2013, this driver aimed to provide optimal performance and stability for professional users relying on Nvidia Quadro graphics cards in Linux environments. While a relatively older release, understanding its features and capabilities remains relevant for users maintaining legacy systems or those seeking specific compatibility.

Overview

The Nvidia GeForce Quadro Graphics Driver 319.60 for Linux 64-bit is a proprietary driver designed specifically for Nvidia Quadro series professional graphics cards. These cards are typically used in workstations and high-end desktops for applications such as:

Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
Digital Content Creation (DCC)
Scientific Visualization
Medical Imaging

Unlike GeForce cards targeted at gaming, Quadro cards are engineered for stability, accuracy, and performance in demanding professional workloads. This driver ensures that the Quadro hardware operates efficiently and reliably under the Linux operating system.

Key Features and Improvements

While the original documentation lacks a detailed "What’s New" section, historical context and common driver release practices suggest that the Nvidia GeForce Quadro Graphics Driver 319.60 for Linux 64-bit likely included improvements in several key areas:

Performance Optimizations: The driver likely included optimizations for specific Quadro cards and professional applications, enhancing rendering speed, processing power, and overall application responsiveness. This is a core function of any driver update.
Bug Fixes and Stability Enhancements: Addressing known issues and improving the overall stability of the graphics subsystem is a standard component of driver releases. This ensures reliable operation, preventing crashes and errors that could disrupt workflows.
OpenGL and CUDA Support: Quadro cards are often used in conjunction with OpenGL and CUDA for rendering and parallel processing tasks. The driver likely updated or refined its support for these technologies to maximize performance and compatibility.
X Server Compatibility: Ensuring compatibility with various X Server versions is crucial for Linux driver functionality. This release likely addressed compatibility issues and provided enhanced support for different X Server configurations.
Power Management: Optimizing power consumption is an important aspect of driver development. The driver may have included improvements in power management, allowing for more efficient operation and reduced energy usage.
Support for New Quadro Cards (potentially): While not explicitly stated, it’s possible that the driver added support for newly released Quadro cards at the time. Driver releases often coincide with new hardware releases.

Supported Products

The original documentation does not list the specific Quadro cards supported by the Nvidia GeForce Quadro Graphics Driver 319.60 for Linux 64-bit. However, based on the release timeframe, it likely supported Quadro cards from the Fermi, Kepler, and potentially early Maxwell architectures. To determine definitive compatibility, consult Nvidia’s official driver documentation or release notes from that period if available. It is crucial to ensure that your specific Quadro card is compatible with this driver version before installation.

Installation

The driver is distributed as a .run file, which is a self-extracting installer script. To install the driver, follow these general steps:

Download the driver: Obtain the NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-319.60.run file from the download link provided below.
Stop the X Server: Before installing the driver, you need to stop the X Server. This can typically be done by switching to a text console (e.g., Ctrl+Alt+F1) and running a command like sudo service lightdm stop (for Ubuntu) or sudo service gdm stop (for Fedora/CentOS). The exact command may vary depending on your Linux distribution and display manager.
Make the script executable: Use the command chmod +x NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-319.60.run to make the downloaded file executable.
Run the installer: Execute the script with root privileges using sudo ./NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-319.60.run.
Follow the on-screen prompts: The installer will guide you through the installation process. Be sure to read the prompts carefully and answer them appropriately.
Reboot your system: After the installation is complete, reboot your system to activate the new driver.

Important Considerations:

Backup your system: Before installing any driver, it’s always recommended to back up your system to prevent data loss in case of installation issues.
Consult your distribution’s documentation: Specific installation steps may vary depending on your Linux distribution. Refer to your distribution’s documentation for detailed instructions.
Resolve dependencies: The driver may require specific dependencies to be installed on your system. The installer will typically identify any missing dependencies and prompt you to install them.

Download Links

Here are the download links for the Nvidia GeForce Quadro Graphics Driver 319.60 for Linux 64-bit:

Primary Download Link: [Insert Official Nvidia Download Link Here if Available, otherwise state: "Official Nvidia Download Link Not Available"] (As this is an older driver, the official Nvidia link may no longer be active. Check Nvidia’s legacy driver archive.)
Alternative Download Link: [https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/drivers/unix/quadro-display-driver/](This link directs to Nvidia’s general Quadro driver page. You will need to search for the specific 319.60 driver on this page or within Nvidia’s driver archives if available.)

Disclaimer: Use these download links at your own risk. Always verify the integrity of downloaded files before installation.

Compatibility

Before attempting to install the Nvidia GeForce Quadro Graphics Driver 319.60 for Linux 64-bit, ensure that your system meets the following requirements:

Operating System: A 64-bit version of Linux.
Graphics Card: A compatible Nvidia Quadro graphics card (refer to Nvidia’s documentation for a list of supported cards).
Kernel Version: A Linux kernel version compatible with the driver. Older drivers may not be compatible with newer kernel versions.
X Server Version: A compatible X Server version.
Dependencies: Ensure that all required dependencies are installed on your system.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues during or after the installation of the Nvidia GeForce Quadro Graphics Driver 319.60 for Linux 64-bit, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

Check the installer log: The installer typically creates a log file that contains information about the installation process. Review the log file for any errors or warnings.
Consult Nvidia’s documentation: Refer to Nvidia’s official documentation for troubleshooting tips and solutions to common problems.
Search online forums: Online forums and communities dedicated to Linux and Nvidia drivers can be a valuable resource for finding solutions to common issues.
Reinstall the driver: If all else fails, try reinstalling the driver from scratch.

Conclusion

The Nvidia GeForce Quadro Graphics Driver 319.60 for Linux 64-bit was an important release for professional users relying on Nvidia Quadro graphics cards in Linux environments. While an older driver, understanding its features and installation process remains relevant for users maintaining legacy systems. Always verify compatibility and follow the installation instructions carefully to ensure a smooth and successful installation. The Nvidia GeForce Quadro Graphics Driver 319.60 for Linux 64-bit aimed to provide stability and performance. Remember to check compatibility with your specific hardware before proceeding with the installation of the Nvidia GeForce Quadro Graphics Driver 319.60 for Linux 64-bit.