Driver intallation help?

You usually don't need to install any driver when using Linux, as everything you need is included. The only reason you need to install a driver is if you have an nVidia or ATI graphics card and want to use the proprietary driver. Your matrox card should work out of the box.

ooh, but it doesn't. it wont go any higher then.. 800 by 600 with a 0 refresh rate(lol). its also labled as"unknown". idk. it wont pick it up.

Hi,

if you want some help, you need to explain exactly what you've done and what is your problem. You see, from the first post, it was just impossible to guess that you had a resolution problem.

Among the very basic information, you should specify:
* What version of Ubuntu you are using
* What is exactly your problem (resolution, refresh rate, 3d effects...)
* Whether you have tried the official mga driver (xserver-xorg-video-mga)
* What is the "driver" you are talking about.

From the forum threads I found using Google (I guess you've tried this before posting a question), there are many problems with this old and somewhat uncommon video card.

Among the things you can try, edit the file /etc/X11/xorg.conf (you need admin prvileges), find your video card, and try drivers "mga", and if it does not work, "vesa" (which is not the best, but can provide basic support).

Right, sorry.
I am using a latest version of ubuntu, 8.10 fully updated. (32bit).
my problem is i don't understand linux or open source.(i'm learning). I want to know how i can install this driver i just downloaded for my graphic device, folder i dled is(matrox_driver-x86_32-4.4.0) it comes with a bunch of files and drivers. i'm guessing i would use(7.0.0) wich leads to (mga_drv.o|mga_drv.so|mga_hal_drv.o|mga_hal_drv.so)
My resolution won't go any higher then(800 x 600(4:3)) refresh rate at (0)..

yeah it from there website, i'm just clueless how to attach it to my os. (with a little help i can get there) and yes i am aware that i am a noob =]

Have look : https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BinaryDriverHowto/Nvidia