- 1). Purchase an IDE controller card. Make sure that it is compatible with both your motherboard and your Linux operating system. Check on the manufacturer's website or on Linux sites and forums as to whether the card you are installing is a good choice.
- 2). Power down your Linux machine.
- 3). Open up the computer case.
- 4). Ground yourself by touching a large metal object. This will remove any static electricity built up in your body, which can harm computer components.
- 5). Remove the IDE controller card from its packaging. Install it into an empty expansion slot. Make sure that the card is seated correctly and firmly in the slot. Secure in place with a screw.
- 6). Attach any IDE hard drives to the controller card. Also attach the power supply for the drives.
- 7). Close the case and reattach the screws.
- 8). Boot up your Linux operating system. If you are replacing an on-board IDE controller with the card, you will have to go into your system's BIOS and tell it not to use the on-board IDE. Be sure to save the BIOS after making any changes.
- 9). In a graphical Linux installation, such as Ubuntu, you can check that the system is seeing your new IDE controller by opening up the Device Manager. Otherwise, you can open up a terminal window. Type in the "df" command (no quotes), and your system will respond with a list of the installed drive. You should see your new controller listed.
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