Question about driver compatibility and the Kernel
 

Hi,

I am trying to get the graphics working correctly on an old HP Compac d220 mt machine that has an Intel 82845G Graphics Controller.

Linux info:
uname -r
2.6.32-24-generic

lspci output (video only)
00:00.0 Host bridge: Intel Corporation 82845G/GL[Brookdale-G]/GE/PE DRAM Controller/Host-Hub Interface (rev 03)
00:02.0 VGA compatible controller: Intel Corporation 82845G/GL[Brookdale-G]/GE Chipset Integrated Graphics Device (rev 03)


The latest driver I can find is: Intel(R) Graphics Driver - Linux* [IntelGraphics_060704.tar.gz]
dated 12/17/2004
Version 20041217

When I started to install this driver I got a message that said that it was compatible with kernel version 2.4.(+ numbers I don't remember) So I stopped the installation.

My question is what will / could happen if I go ahead and try to complete the driver install?

Will I hose the entire system? I am fiddling with the kernel if I continue to install the driver.

IF it does break, would it be possible to undo the driver install using the text based root console with networking via the recovery option or will that too be inoperable if I hose the system.

Should it break and I can get to the recovery option and open a terminal. How would i uninstall it? I am just getting reacquainted with Linux again after 20 years. I am not using the advanced package management tool to install the driver. The driver has it's own installation script. (have not looked to see if it has an uninstall script in the file list) I won't be able apt-get remove or dpkg purge anything.

Any suggestions and advice is greatly appreciated.

If anyone knows of Open Source drivers that are more current I'd be happy with that too.

Thanks.

nothing much it will fail to build the 2.4 kernel has different headers. or if it does build the module will not be compatible go ahead. if it does build and install and work cool.
If not your system will live.