Drivers

Discussion in 'Software' started by mark59, May 21, 2011.

  1. mark59

    mark59 MajorGeek

    Is there any freeware that checks your PC to see if drivers are up-to-date. Just downloaded DriveWhiz but you have to pay. On a tight budget so would like a free program but only one that does the job well.
     
    mark59, May 21, 2011
    #1
  2. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Hi Mark59

    To be honest I wouldnt bother with driver updater apps at all as if your PC is working ok then you are in no need of drivers, and the only drivers to possibly update are graphics and those can be found direct from the makers site as in Intel, Ati and Nvidia or from the maker of your PC/Motherboard.

    Driver updater apps do cause issues as they cannot fully know all the devices that are around, especially if the PC is an OEM one as in Dell, HP, Acer etc as they do have at times custom drivers for many hardware devices, and while the driver finder app will list the driver as out of date, in fact it may not be, its more the driver finder app is listing a generic driver that "could" cause more driver issues than enough, I have seen this over the past few years in respect to audio drivers in the main, use a driver finder/updater app and install the non specific driver it says is out of date and shazam.... a non working audio!

    personally check the maker of your PC or hardware and if they dont offer updated drivers then their are none, and as I mentioned if your PC is working ok, leave it alone.
     
    DavidGP, May 21, 2011
    #2
  3. mark59

    mark59 MajorGeek

    Thanks for that advice - I'm definitely not going to get a driver updating program.

    Thanks again

    mark59
     
    mark59, May 21, 2011
    #3
  4. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Hi Mark

    If you tell us what your PC is make and model if one from HP, ACER, Dell etc or if a home build the PC specs as in Motherboard and GFX card then we can advise as to updated drivers but as I mentioned if your PC is working ok and I imagine it is, then leave the drivers alone.

    Personally its rare I update drivers and only one I do do is the gfx card as that one adds new compatibility for various games but its not a crucial one unless you are having issues.

    PCs are best left alone if they are working fine, tinker with them too much and all hell breaks loose ;) I/we can list a driver update app if you really want but for the reasons I mentioned I wouldn't go that route.
     
    DavidGP, May 21, 2011
    #4
  5. mark59

    mark59 MajorGeek

    Hi David

    It's an HP Pavilion Slimline s5770uk-m.

    My PC is working fine. It should be, I've only had it 10 days.

    I asked about a driver update program because I had a PDA that won't work with my new PC (posted a separate thread on that issue). A Windows suggested solution was to run Windows Update to check for new drivers. I know there are programs that offer to check for updates. However, these days I do little computer-wise without asking for advice on Majorgeeks. hence, that's why I asked about this type of software.

    Thanks

    Mark
     
    mark59, May 21, 2011
    #5
  6. plodr

    plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

    Bookmark this
    Code:
    http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareCategory?product=5053356&lc=en&cc=uk&dlc=en&lang=en&cc=uk
    There's where you will look for updated drivers ONLY if your computer seems to have a problem. I rarely update drivers.
     
    plodr, May 21, 2011
    #6
  7. mark59

    mark59 MajorGeek

    Thanks!
     
    mark59, May 21, 2011
    #7

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