FC5: X won't start

[Paul Howarth]

On Thu, 2006-05-11 at 15:26 -0400, Lyvim Xaphir wrote:
> On Fri, 2006-04-21 at 22:32 -0400, Sam Varshavchik wrote:
> > Mikael Rasmussen writes:
> > 
> > > No something else must be wrong.
> > > 
> > > I have installed the latest kernel (2.6.16-1.2096_FC5)
> > > I have installed the latest NVIDIA driver (NVIDIA-Linux-x86-1.0-8756)
> > > 
> > > All I get is a black screen, with a blinking dash in the top left corner, 
> > > and a big white mousecursor.
> > > 
> > > I have even tried to reinstall without any luck
> > 
> > Take it up with Nvidia.  Nvidia is a closed, proprietary software driver 
> > that cannot be debugged.  Furthermore, depending on how you've installed it, 
> > Nvidia's scripts often overwrite key xorg libraries, permanently screwing up 
> > your system completely, beyond all repair.
> 
> That's a bunch of bullcrap.  I've used nvidia drivers since they were
> first released, and I've never experienced what you describe or seen
> anyone else that has either.  Sounds to me like you're trolling.

Just because you haven't experienced it doesn't mean it's not true.

ref:
http://www.city-fan.org/tips/ProprietaryVideoDriverWarning

> >   Loading Nvidia's non-free driver, into a system that's based on 
> > free software components only, is analogous to peeling off the "removing 
> > this sticker voids warranty" on electronics gear.
> 
> 
> Not really, there are tons of users that use both the livna nvidia
> drivers and the Nvidia-supplied drivers from the manufacturer.  They do
> it because they want to, because they are free agents that can do
> whatever they want with their systems.

Just don't expect any support if they've borked their system by using
the nVidia installer. The livna repackaging of the same drivers is,
however, sanely done.

Paul.