I am a newbie to Linux, and I was looking for some help installing the Nvidia graphics drivers. I tried to follow the Zorin help article, but I got a weird error when I tried to install the drivers from the software and updates app. When I looked it up on the internet most of the solutions were over my head. (I have a ton to learn about Linux .)
Anyway, when I installed Zorin OS I checked the box to install with modern Nvidia drivers. However, I checked and my system is using the "Nouveau display driver from xserver-xorg-video-nouveau." I have a good Nvidia graphics card, so I want to make use of their drivers. I tried to install the first Nvidia ver in the menu (NVIDIA driver metapackage from nvidia-driver-550 (proprietary, tested)) and I got the error below:
If anyone know what this means, I would really, really appreciate the help. Should I just use a different driver in the list? I don't really know what the difference between them is.
Thank you! I think that will work, however I have one more question.
I entered the commands as shown and it brought up a screen about MOK keys and had me enter a password. Then I rebooted and came to a MOK management screen. I selected "enroll key" and tried to follow the prompts, but I got some options and I wasn't sure what to do. I don't want to mess up anything with my boot process, so I just stopped the process and continued the boot without enrolling the key.
Before it prompted me to enter the password I created it showed me a giant string of characters (I assume that was the key??) and had me hit enter. Then it showed me a efi/ thing and I hit enter. Then on the next screen it gave me 4 different options:
../
Dell/
Ubuntu/
Debian/ (My memory might be wrong on this one, but I think it's right.)
I had no idea what to choose, so I just stopped the operation. What should I do at that point? Do I need to re-enter all the commands to try again? Should I just turn off secure boot?
Yes and this also answers your initial question about the weird error.
Secure Boot operates as part of Microsoft; only allowing packages signed off by Microsoft to initialize (or boot). With it enabled; any package not signed by Microsoft cannot init.
MOK is a package for GnuLinux users to work in tandem with Secure Boot in jolly cooperation with Microsoft.
But if you are not using Microsoft Windows - There is no need for Secure Boot, is there?
Update: I disabled secure boot and entered the commands in again and I think it worked. I was able to boot the system without going through the MOC process, and the software and updates tool says I am using the Nvidia drivers. However, under the about page in settings it says something different. For some reason it says I am using: Mesa Intel® Graphics (RPL-S) / Mesa Intel® Graphics (RPL-S). Is this just a bug with the settings GUI. Is there a way I can check to make sure it worked?
Also, I didn't realize secure boot was a Microsoft thing. The main reason I switch to Linux was to get away from them. I don't have a Windows installed anymore (no dual-boot). Do you think it is safe to just leave secure boot off, so Microsoft has no say anymore?
The name Secure Boot sounds imposing. But in actuality, it can be compared to a bouncer at a night club and since you are not inviting any Windows Guests; that job can be vacated.
This is normal.
You likely have Intel Integrated graphics in your motherboard and also a dedicated PCI / PCIe slot Nvidia graphics card.
In your terminal, you can run
nvidia-smi
to get a quick display of your Nvidia graphics, drivers and inclusions.
You can also use prime-select to decide whether to use Nvidia all the time, Intel all the time, or Intel for the standard graphical management and Nvidia for the Heavy Use or High Demand graphical management.
e.g.:
.)
