Driver On Demand

Driver on demand aims to simplify driver installations for Linux users. This is achieved by automatically connecting to a CGI server when a device is plugged into the computer and a driver is not found. The server checks its database to identify the device. If it is unknown, the driver lookup fails and the user can continue without a driver. However, if the device is recognized, the server retrieves the necessary driver information file, which is similar to .inf files but more flexible as XML files.

If the device is compatible with newer versions of kernels but requires an available driver, it is automatically installed by the system. The user is strongly recommended to upgrade their kernel to ensure efficient use of the driver. If the vendor provides a driver install file, they can upload it to their website and reference it on the Driver On Demand server. This ensures that user always has the latest driver files, eliminating the need to wait for an admin update of the definitions.

In summary, Driver On Demand is a useful software for Linux users who need automated driver installations. It streamlines the process by searching for drivers on the internet, accurately identifying devices and enabling automatic installation.