HOW TO: Install Nvidia Graphics Card Driver on Ubuntu Intrepid

I’ve seen many methods on how to install the driver for Nvidia graphics card.
Here’s a method that is almost foolproof, involves no conf file editing, and can be done purely using apt-get package manager.

In case you are wondering, this method installs the “177″ driver (the one that is supposed to be “recommended”).

So here goes:

1. “sudo apt-get install nvidia-177-kernel-source nvidia-glx-177 nvidia-kernel-common nvidia-settings xserver-xorg-video-nv”
2. Open System > Administration > Hardware Drivers
3. Select the driver that says “Nvidia accelerated graphics driver 177 [recommended]“
4. Click the Activate button (at the bottom of the window).
5. You’re done!

After it completes successfully, you will need to restart your computer. And viola! Your graphics card is ready to use!