What's Happening?
Arch Linux has updated its NVIDIA driver packages to the NVIDIA 590 driver series, which now defaults to using open-source kernel modules. This change affects users with older NVIDIA GPUs, specifically the GeForce GTX 900 and GTX 1000 series, as these
are no longer supported by the new driver series. Users with these older GPUs will need to transition to the legacy driver packages available from the Arch Linux AUR. The open-source kernel modules have been in development for over three years and are now the default for Turing and newer GPUs, which include the RTX 20 series and newer models. This shift marks a significant move towards open-source support within the Linux community, as the closed-source kernel driver is no longer being extended for newer GPUs.
Why It's Important?
The transition to open-source kernel modules for NVIDIA drivers in Arch Linux represents a broader trend in the tech industry towards open-source solutions. This move could enhance the flexibility and security of Linux systems by allowing more transparency and community involvement in driver development. However, it also poses challenges for users with older hardware, who may face compatibility issues and need to switch to legacy drivers. This change could influence other Linux distributions to adopt similar open-source practices, potentially leading to a more unified and open ecosystem for Linux users. The decision underscores the growing importance of open-source software in the tech industry, particularly in areas like graphics processing where proprietary solutions have traditionally dominated.
What's Next?
Users with older NVIDIA GPUs will need to take action to maintain their systems' graphical functionality. Specifically, they must uninstall the current NVIDIA packages and install the legacy `nvidia-580xx-dkms` package from the Arch Linux AUR. For users with Turing and newer GPUs, the transition to open kernel modules will occur automatically with no manual intervention required. This change may prompt discussions within the Linux community about the future of driver support and the balance between supporting legacy hardware and advancing open-source initiatives. It remains to be seen how other Linux distributions will respond to this shift and whether they will follow Arch Linux's lead in adopting open-source kernel modules as the default.
