how to load a driver in linux

Linux is popularly known for its open-source nature, reliability, and versatility. It has several in-built drivers for different hardware components. However, due to the diverse hardware models in use, some hardware may not have an in-built driver, or the installed driver may be outdated, making it ineffective. In such situations, the installation of custom drivers is necessary. This article looks at “How to load a driver in Linux” using different methods.

Method 1: Building and Installing a Kernel Module

Kernel modules are external code components that can be added to an existing kernel to add functionality or to update an outdated driver. Building and installing a kernel module involves the following steps:

Step 1: Install Build-Essentials

Using the following command: “sudo apt-get install build-essential” or “sudo yum install build-essential”, we install build-essential packages required to compile the driver. These packages include “gcc,” “make,” and “kernel-headers.”

Step 2: Download and Extract the Driver

Download the driver from the manufacturer's website and extract it to a directory of your choice.

Step 3: Build the Driver

Open a terminal in the extracted driver directory and run “make” to build the driver.

Step 4: Install the Driver

To install the driver, run “sudo make install.” This copies the compiled driver to the appropriate system directories.

Step 5: Load and Test the Driver

Load the installed driver into the kernel using “sudo modprobe driver-name” and then test if the device functions correctly.

Method 2: Installing binary drivers from the repository

Linux operating systems come with pre-installed software repositories that contain multiple drivers for numerous devices. This method involves the following simple steps:

Step 1: Update the System’s repository database

This is done using the command “sudo apt update, ” which retrieves and updates the repositories database with the latest drivers.

Step 2: Install the driver

Choose the appropriate driver for the hardware device and run the command “sudo apt-get install driver-name.” This downloads and installs the driver to the appropriate system directories.

Step 3: Load and Test the Driver

Load the installed driver into the kernel using “sudo modprobe driver-name”, and then test whether the device functions correctly.

Method 3: Using Third-party Installation tools

There are multiple third-party driver installer tools that can detect and install missing or outdated drivers automatically. The most common ones include DKMS, Auto-DRM, and EnvyNG. This method involves the following simple steps:

Step1: Download and Install the desired tool

Depending on the tool selected, download and install them from the applicable repository or the manufacturer's website.

Step 2: Run the Tool

Launch the installed tool and follow the prompts to detect and install the necessary hardware driver.

Step 3: Load and Test the Driver

Load the installed driver into the kernel using “sudo modprobe driver-name” and then test if the device functions correctly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, loading drivers on Linux operating systems is crucial for the proper functioning of various hardware components. The installation methods discussed above give users different options for installing drivers. It is important to note that the correct installation procedure should be followed, and installing drivers from reliable sources reduces the risk of system damage.