Install ATI Drivers in a few easy steps on (K)ubuntu

Ok, here is what I did when I installed Kubuntu recently:

1. Type in a console:

sudo apt-get install xorg-driver-fglrx fglrx-control linux-restricted-modules-$(uname -r)

2. Type this:

sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf_backup

3. and this:

sudo nano /etc/X11/xorg.conf

4. Now locate the “devices” section, you should have a part that reads something like:

driver “ati” or perhaps driver “vesa”

Replace that line with:

driver “fglrx”

5. Save and exit nano (Ctrl+X)

6. Restart X (Ctrl+Alt+Backspace)

7. Type fglrxinfo in a console, your videocard should be identified like mine did here:

thomas@56342803:~$ fglrxinfo
display: :0.0 screen: 0
OpenGL vendor string: ATI Technologies Inc.
OpenGL renderer string: RADEON X800 XL Generic
OpenGL version string: 1.3.5272 (X4.3.0-8.16.20)

That’s it, your driver is working, now test your card with glxgears or try some nice OpenGL screensavers.