Correct, most linux distros will do this to keep the entire distro 'clean' from un-modifiable programs. Ubuntu has free open source "nv" drivers that tend to work well with older hardware (like geforce 4 for example). The GF XXXX cards tend to need the proprietry ones if you want to benefit from proper 2d and 3d acceleration. Otherwise the system simply defaults to vesa if the free nv driver fails.
To get the proper compatibility with later cards you need to install the "real" nvidia drivers. The program ENVY (i told you about) is designed to do all this for you, for both the more recent Nvidia and ATIs.
You can tell when 3D acceleration is running by using the command: "glxinfo" or more specifically "glxinfo |grep direct". A frame FPS test is available by typing "glxgears". My old FX5200 would do about 1900 fps so yours should totally beat that. My laptop's ATI does around 2600.
To get the proper compatibility with later cards you need to install the "real" nvidia drivers. The program ENVY (i told you about) is designed to do all this for you, for both the more recent Nvidia and ATIs.
You can tell when 3D acceleration is running by using the command: "glxinfo" or more specifically "glxinfo |grep direct". A frame FPS test is available by typing "glxgears". My old FX5200 would do about 1900 fps so yours should totally beat that. My laptop's ATI does around 2600.