driver updates

[Jeff]

Is it usually wiser to update drivers (touchpad, etc.) from Microsoft's
website, the computer manufacturer or from the device manufacturer?

How about updates for mainboard chipsets? And is it even wise to think of
doing that?

Jeff

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Is it usually wiser to update drivers (touchpad, etc.) from
Microsoft's website, the computer manufacturer or from the device
manufacturer?
How about updates for mainboard chipsets? And is it even wise to
think of doing that?

Always wisest to upgrade the driver from the company that manufactured the
individual component which the driver is for.

 

[The Cuddly Curmudgeon]

Is it usually wiser to update drivers (touchpad, etc.) from Microsoft's
website,

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER!!!!

the computer manufacturer or from the device manufacturer?

50-50, but I'd lean towards the computer mfr.

How about updates for mainboard chipsets? And is it even wise to think of
doing that?

If you get the upgrade ONLY from the mfr. of the mainboard, you should
be fine.

 

[Sunny]

Is it usually wiser to update drivers (touchpad, etc.) from Microsoft's
website, the computer manufacturer or from the device manufacturer?

How about updates for mainboard chipsets? And is it even wise to think of
doing that?

Never Never Never update drivers from the Microsoft Update site.
Go to the manufactures site, and read closely what any new drivers are for,
and if you really need them.
Most driver updates/installs require specific steps to be followed, a
procedure not available during Microsofts "auto install".
(IMHO)

 

[Rock]

Is it usually wiser to update drivers (touchpad, etc.) from Microsoft's
website, the computer manufacturer or from the device manufacturer?

How about updates for mainboard chipsets? And is it even wise to think of
doing that?

Jeff

Never from Windows update. If it's a device the OEM modified then get
it from the OEM's web site. If it's a retail device then the device
manufacturer's web site. Same for chipsets - for OEM computers like
Gateway, Dell, etc get it from the OEM. Only update drivers if there is
a problem and the new driver should fix it or if it has some new, must
have feature. Otherwise leave well enough alone.

 

[GO]

Never from Windows update. If it's a device the OEM modified then get
it from the OEM's web site. If it's a retail device then the device
manufacturer's web site. Same for chipsets - for OEM computers like
Gateway, Dell, etc get it from the OEM. Only update drivers if there is
a problem and the new driver should fix it or if it has some new, must
have feature. Otherwise leave well enough alone.

Agreed! I've finally learned to follow the old adage....if it ain't broke,
don't fix it!

 

[Kelly]

Is it usually wiser to update drivers (touchpad, etc.) from Microsoft's

website....

Just to add yet another: Never, ever!

--

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com

 

[kurttrail]

Is it usually wiser to update drivers (touchpad, etc.) from
Microsoft's website, the computer manufacturer or from the device
manufacturer?
How about updates for mainboard chipsets? And is it even wise to
think of doing that?

If you have a computer from a Major OEM, then they should be the first
place you look for driver updates. Then the devise manufacturer, but be
careful, sometimes Major OEMs get the manufacturer to slightly modify
the devises, and the manufacturers drivers don't work well with these
components. It is fairly rare, but I know it does happen.

NEVER, EVER, get driver updates from either Windows or Microsoft Update,
even if MS is the manufacturer of the devise! If MS is the devise
manufacturer, then they have separate support pages that have the right
drivers that you can download to your hard drive, and install manually.

If your computer is built by yourself, or a local computer builder, then
you should check with the devise manufactures site.

But as with anything, don't fix what ain't broken. If you aren't having
problems with a devise or its drivers, then leave well the f*#k alone.
Yeah, sometimes updated drivers will give you some performance gains,
but is a few milliseconds of performance gain worth screwing up what
wasn't really broken?

That said, if you know your way around a computer and how to get your
ass out of the frying pan on your own, go ahead and install the latest
drivers. I know I do.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

 

[jonah]

Is it usually wiser to update drivers (touchpad, etc.) from Microsoft's
website, the computer manufacturer or from the device manufacturer?

No - not from M$ ever and leave well alone unless you have to update.
Newer drivers sometimes add undesirable features especially if they
come from HP so do a drive image / restore point before updating
anything. I do daily C Drive images just in case I screw something up
or an update does.

How about updates for mainboard chipsets? And is it even wise to think of
doing that?

Generally only if you really need to - ie to run a new game or
something.

Jeff

If you really want to get all the correct latest drivers without
effort there are software solutions but they cost and are only really
good for professional PC Builders / repairers who need fast access to
the correct drivers regularly.

I use Driver Genius Pro, not vastly expensive but overkill for finding
the odd driver and you need to know what you are doing to an extent.
There are others that do the same think and are mostly subscription
based.

http://www.driver-soft.com/

If you are interested

Jonah