Q I followed the instructions to download Mandriva Free 2007 but have been unable to use the 3D desktop features.

A The graphics drivers needed to drive the 3D desktop are not supplied with Mandriva Free and will need to be downloaded separately from www.nvidia.com. Click on the Download drivers link.

In the selection box, click on Graphics driver, then the correct kind of graphics card and then Linux IA32 in the right hand box. If you know that you have installed a 64bit version of Linux select Linux AMD64/EM64T. Click on Go!, check the licence if you want and then click on the download link in Step 2.

Due to the nature of the file, it is best to right click on the link and select Save Target as. Some browsers will try to load the file in a window. If you are downloading the file onto the computer the drivers are for, it is best to save it in your home folder eg /home/tim

The driver needs some extra bits and pieces installed so it is best to get that done first. Start the Configure Computer program and click on the option to add software. Enter gcc in the search box and press Enter. Select the software options that appear. This should include software beginning with gcc, gcc-c++ and gcc-cpp. There will be some version numbers that will differ from computer to computer.

Next enter kernel into the search box and press enter. Select kernel-source. Again there will be some numbers after it that refer to the version. Click on OK to install the software, you will need to insert the installation DVD.