Epson Printer Firmware Updates

How long does Epson provides firmware updates for their printers?

Also, does Epson have a printer support community? I have noticed that many technology manufacturers have this but I don't see that for Epson printers.

 

Why do you want to update your printer's firmware?
Unlike routers and modems, printers do not suffer from security vulnerabilities. In a worst case scenario, if you use generic (non-Epson) cartridges, a firmware update could result in those cartridges no longer being recognized.

Epson doesn't have a printer support community (forum).
You can try these support forums.
https://www.printerforums.net/forums/epson.12/
https://www.printerknowledge.com/forums/epson-inkjet-printers.11/

 

I suppose the topic is debatable. But, I think it's a good idea to get firmware security updates. I am talking here about network printers, though I now realize that wasn't clear in the OP. I was trying to find a post that I saw on Quora from someone that had worked at a big hardware manufacturer for something like 25 years, sharing the opinion of this post. But, can't find it. The posted question was something like "should I update my printer's firmware."

 

It is. But your opening post didn't mention anything about these being "security" updates.

And as Eldon correctly noted, printing devices don't normally suffer from "security" vulnerabilities. The exceptions might be if they are network ready, but it is important to note existing wifi and Ethernet protocols have been set and well established for years. Unless the hardware changes, there would be no reason to update the firmware.

To answer your question, as far as I know, Epson does not have a policy dictating how long they support a specific model. I recommend you visit Epson's webpage for your device and see what firmware downloads - if any - are available. But just because there might be an update out there, I do not recommend automatically installing it. Read the change log first to see what issue or issues the update addresses. If and only if it applies to you, update it. Other wise if your device is working fine, leave it alone.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

 

In my experience with hardware, the change logs are not overly informative or helpful. Admittedly, I have limited experience.

There are security flaws with network devices. I have heard of it being at least a medium sized problem in so far as devices getting compromised and becoming part of a botnet. Admittedly, I have mostly seen this with respect to network video cameras, but then again, I have not really researched the extent of the problem, I have only read what I have accidentally come across.

 

I fail to see your point here. Clearly you feel you should update just because it has been awhile. Then by all means, update everything as soon as updates come out if you are more comfortable with that.

I answered your original question. Epson does not have a policy for their firmware update.

And Eldon noted Epson does not have a support community.

My experience with hardware is extensive and goes way back. Yes, it is true some change logs are not very informative. That does not mean it still needs to be installed. This is particularly true if the hardware has been and is working fine.

 

FTR, that's the default. But you can, if you want, disable auto-updating from the printer's internal menu and you should be able to by logging into the printer's internal web-server.

I cannot be more specific because it seems different HPs use different internal menu systems. Mine is an all-in-one and not just a printer.

 

My point is that I think software should be updated more than you think software should be updated, which is what you mention later in your post. So, you did see my point.

 

Software, yes. Drivers and hardware firmware, no. And yes, drivers/firmware are software too, but a totally different class of software than "program" or application software.

For example, I believe it critical to keep operating systems and our security "software" current. And for our other applications, if the update involves security or a bug fix, then for sure, an update is in order. But to simply add a feature I don't need, then no.

It is not that I think software needs to updated less often. It is that I think it only needs to be updated when there is an actual need for it that affects me. And again, in particular with drivers and firmware, most don't affect me.

And definitely, I don't think an update should be made available just because it has been awhile since the last update.