Making the Switch from Windows to Linux: Need Help with GPU Drivers

So, first off, installing Nvidia drivers from their website isn’t the best move for Linux. You usually want to use the drivers that come through the Linux Mint package manager. For your GT210 GPU, it sounds like you need the specific version 340 driver, which was the last one that supported that chipset. If Mint doesn’t offer that driver, you might be stuck using the default nouveau drivers, which could be more compatible with your system.

If you’re using Nvidia on Linux, just a heads-up: downloading drivers from the Nvidia site is typically a no-go. Linux Mint usually includes everything you need. For your old GPU, you might have to go with the proprietary 340 driver since it’s the latest that supports your architecture. If Mint isn’t showing that as an option, sticking to the open-source nouveau drivers might be your best bet.

The default nouveau drivers might be the best you can get for your GT210. Trying to get the proprietary Nvidia 340 drivers working could be tough since they’re outdated and may not support your current kernel. You might even consider a hardware upgrade for a more seamless experience with Linux. Sometimes the simplest fix is just replacing the card, especially since some budget-friendly AMD cards work well with open-source drivers.

If you're struggling with the drivers, consider trying Manjaro instead. It’s a different distro, but booting from a USB and choosing proprietary drivers during installation can save you some hassle. Just a quick thought! It might simplify the whole experience for you.

Honestly, if you're on Mint, just use the built-in tools they've provided for managing drivers. No need to search high and low yourself. They’ve made it a point-and-click process. If you've been following some tutorials or guides, that might lead you to those confusing Nvidia pages instead of helping you find the easy way.