I'm new to Linux and I'm trying to find out if I should get updated drivers for my Toshiba Satellite Model A105 S101. Specifically interested in open drivers for Ubuntu 7.10 with an Atheros AR2413 802.11bg NIC and an ATI Radeon Xpress 200m video card. Would prefer open drivers as opposed restricted drivers. Also how to install them...If I have to recompile or what. 20 years ago I knew how to do this in Unix but my old age has allowed me to forget! Any real help would be greatly appreciated Sorry about any mis-spellings

Get updated drivers?

Do you mean that you are already running linux on this hardware, and it is already working, but you just want to make sure you are getting the most out of it?

Damn, I've always been happy if the wireless and video just worked satisfactorily under linux. I don't think you will *need* to re-compile your kernel - long ago I've installed new drivers (for wireless) using a stock kernel, after the system is already up and running.

Massage...
Yes Ubuntu 7.10 is installed dual boot/XP and working ... But I can't get the resolution I want do to generic drivers installed and won't let me enable restricted drivers for ATI.

Wireless works fine just thought I should use newer/better drivers.

Haven't tried cd/dvd/ write or play back yet...I'm sure I have to do something to make that work also.

Thanks for the clarification... sorry I can't help; also, if you are pushing the fine-tuning to that level and beyond, maybe you will need to recompile the kernel, I don't know.

Anyone else here able to help out?

Use apt and get yourself madwifi, it contains the atheros support you will need to use your wifi card. Its pretty simple to setup, I would recommend using the command prompt supplied on madwifi's site. Your ATI drivers can also be fount on apt I believe. I'm not much of a ubuntu fan personally, prefer the Fedora or Debian breed :)