The shift towards open-source graphics drivers by NVIDIA marks a significant development since AlmaLinux's inception five years ago. The open-source version of NVIDIA drivers is increasingly becoming the primary driver, with new products being developed exclusively for it. The AlmaLinux community, along with other contributors in the open-source ecosystem, has achieved a remarkable milestone by providing Secure Boot signed, open-source NVIDIA kernel modules in the Enterprise Linux ecosystem.
To take advantage of this update, users need to install the release package and the necessary modules. Detailed documentation is available on the AlmaLinux wiki, guiding users through the installation process. The steps include installing the NVIDIA driver and repository configurations via the command `dnf install almalinux-release-nvidia-driver`, followed by the driver package with `dnf install nvidia-open-kmod nvidia-driver`. A system reboot is recommended to load the driver automatically, or users can load the kernel module manually with `modprobe nvidia_drm`. The functionality can be verified using the `nvidia-smi` utility, which provides information about the NVIDIA driver and GPU status. If users wish to utilize the CUDA stack, they can install it using the command `dnf install cuda`.
In summary, with AlmaLinux version 9 and 10, users of NVIDIA graphics cards can now experience enhanced performance and integration through native driver support, paving the way for more robust applications in fields such as machine learning, gaming, and high-performance computing. This advancement signifies a broader trend towards open-source solutions in the tech community, fostering innovation and collaboration among developers and users alike
AlmaLinux now with Native NVIDIA support
AlmaLinux versions 9 and 10 now provide native support for NVIDIA drivers, encompassing CUDA and Secure Boot functionalities. The implementation has been facilitated by ALESCo, NVIDIA, and an authorized RFC. AlmaLinux versions 9 and 10 include NVIDIA's open-source graphics driver as a kernel module, accompanied by a repository configuration for standard userspace and CUDA components. These packages enable users to experience a comprehensive NVIDIA integration with only a few dnf commands. NVIDIA's transition to open-source graphics drivers has established AlmaLinux as the primary driver, with new products being introduced solely for it.