Compiling X11 drivers with Debian

[ashibaka]

Hi, I'm running Debian woodysid (somewhere in between the two) with the latest X11 package, version 4.2.1-5. On previous installs with this computer, I've found I needed to install some extra drivers to get XVideo working:

http://www.winischhofer.net/linuxsis630.shtml

However, the 4.2.1 binaries this webmaster provides are broken for Debian; the X server thinks they're made for 4.1.0.

What do I need to do to compile the driver myself? Are there any special steps I should take for these drivers?

Any help would be appreciated-- I'd like to be able to watch videos again on this machine. :)

Ashibaka

[ashibaka]

Solved this myself (after waiting hours for a reply here :p), here's what to do:


Add a "deb-src" URL to your sources.list if you don't have one already.
apt-get source xfree86-common

(NOTE: This will put the source tree in whatever directory you run the command in. Running it in, say, /home/youruser will make an unsightly mess of your $HOME.)

cd xfree86-[TAB]
debian/rules checksource
Add in your drivers, following the rules of whomever made your driver
debian/rules build
Walk away from your computer. Grout bathroom tiles. Pay overdue bills. Go to sleep. Come back when xfree86 is compiled.
Copy the compiled drivers into their proper locations in /usr/X11R6.


I hope this manages to help, er, someone. :D