Graphics Drivers
Though Linden Lab says that Second Life performs best with the latest Graphics Drivers from your graphics card's manufacturer, there is some evidence to the contrary. Search the SL Forums for discussions of drivers, and make your own decision.
You can find your graphics card drivers from the following locations:
Note: If you are using a laptop you should check your laptop manufacturer's site first for up to date graphics drivers. If compatible drivers are not available, you should contact the laptop manufacturer's support line before installing drivers from ATI, NVIDIA, or INTEL. This is because laptop drivers often have special manufacturer features for power saving, TV connections, and the like.
Additional notes are posted for Windows Vista users.