Question

2

Why do I have to reinstall video drivers on kernel updates?

rated 0 times [ 2] [ 0] / answers: 1 / hits: 2743 / 3 Years ago, fri, october 1, 2021, 2:05:36

I understand that the drivers are compiled into the kernel but why is the API so tightly coupled to the kernel?

Can I install the drivers in a way so I don't have to reinstall the drivers every time there is an update?

The fact I can use the driver again and compile it means the driver is valid. Then why do I need to do this manually?

Link to driver I use

Its AMD Catalyst™ 13.1 Proprietary Linux x86 Display Driver

AMD Radeon HD 7700 Series

Currently running

Linux 3.5.0-25-generic #39-Ubuntu SMP  x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

Answers

Only authorized users can answer the question. Please sign in first, or register a free account.

olltea

Add To Favorites

Follow

Total Points: 238

Total Questions: 115

Total Answers: 107

Location: Moldova

Member since Tue, Feb 7, 2023

1 Year ago

answered 3 Years ago herfor · Accepted Answer

Any drivers not part of the main kernel tree (which of course includes proprietary drivers) must be rebuilt for new kernel versions as internal kernel interfaces may have changed. Drivers are tightly coupled to the kernel because they run in kernel space and use internal kernel interfaces. Applications are a different ballgame and use the syscall interface, which is the userland to kernel interface, and that interface is extremely stable.

Greg Kroah-Hartman has posted a great article about this subject here.