Windows Updates - Optional items

Sorry for asking a dumb question, but should I install my optional updates?

1)
Atheros - Networking - Atheros L1 Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000Base-T

2)
nVidia - Video - NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT

3)
Samsung - Other Hardware - SyncMaster 226BW (Digital)

 

Those updates look to be Drivers... not critical but may improve performace or inter-operabiltiy with various software.

 

yes and no. i'd set a system restore point prior to installing in case of problems (it "might" set one itself). you didn't say what your os is/was (it shouldn't really matter).

i've had no problems with xp updates (2 desktops, and 1 laptop - mine), as well as other family members (3-4 desktops).

however, when i had my vista comp (acer brand), i had to do a "destructive" system recovery, as i had previously deleted all my restoration points. i happened to do a windows update that had to do with my video card, and it was all down hill from there (although i didn't know it at the time). it might have been ok, had i had a restoration point to go back to (prior to my doing the update), but i didn't notice any problems till like 1-2 or maybe 3 weeks later on (i had already deleted them by then). anyway, i'm sure it's ok, just don't do what i did. g/l, sos

 

The drivers listed are on a Vista machine, thanks for the warnings on which ones to avoid.

 

I never let Microsoft handle driver updates. Go to your PC manufacturers site for those.