Hello everyone!
Sometimes the user needs to update the graphics cards to successfully run LWJGL. Updating the graphics card can be a difficult task for the unused user. I have been trying to find a way around this problem. There are programs like "driver detective" that can update hardware devices automatically. However I have not succeded in finding one that is free. I would be thankful for any advice.
It would probably help if one could get information about what graphics card is installed if it needs to be updated. Is there a way to get information about hardware devices in runtime?
Havent tried - but there are OpenGl calls you can make to detect what is supported - Hmm, back to that opengl book
I'm having a hard time figuring out keywords for searching for this (getting name of installed graphics card in runtime). Do you remember any of those calls names?
Found it over at www.lwjgl.org
http://lwjgl.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=916&highlight=driver
GL11.glGetString(GL11.GL_VENDOR);
GL11.glGetString(GL11.GL_VERSION);
GL11.glGetString(GL11.GL_RENDERER);
This states very clearly which graphics card is installed. Or at least the current driver? I have to test it on some different machines to be sure it will work.
It could surely be a very useful hint for users when an update is required for the engine to run. Often people don't know their machines and I wouldn't want to put in the instructions to check the model number on the circuit board.
Edit: Oops not quite sure it will work. Didn't read that post properly.