Updating Hardware Correctly?

Hey folks...I just want to make sure I've go this right, please.

To update (or even to just check for updates) for my wireless-router, and for my adapter, I would only need to do the router check/update through the main, wired desktop, and, only need to do the check/update for the adapter through THAT machine (also a desktop) as well ... is this correct, please?

Thanks in advance,
g...

 

You need to check the router update from a machine hard wired to the router, yes. You need to check for the update for the wireless dongle from a machine that is hard wired to the router (for internet whilst the wireless dongle is upgrading) and with the dongle plugged into it.

 

Thank you - I think you may have been SO clear, that I need to double-check to make sure I understand:

I should check for updates to both pieces of equipment (both hardware devices), from the same, wired (main) machine - correct?

 

Ok - I get (understand) the first part - both updates from the main (wired to the router) machine.

Am having trouble understanding this part of your instruction --> "for internet whilst the wireless dongle is upgrading"

I understand very well that the dongle needs to be plugged-in (I wouldn't have it any other way considering it is a network, correct?) - however, specifically, it's the part of your instruction that says 'while the dongle is "UPGRADING" that I don't quite think I understand (?).

And did you mean "from" the internet", in the first part of that sentence, please?

 

Honestly, I didn't read every word in every post above, but -personally- I see no reason to update ANY drivers if everything is working OK. The only exception to this is video drivers; sometimes newer video drivers will improve gaming performance, or will include a tweak to keep the video card running cooler, or whatever. When it comes to ethernet and/or wifi drivers, I personally see no reason to update the drivers if everything is working fine. I have seen driver updates cause problems that didn't exist before. However, as I said, this is my personal opinion, and if your home network is running fine, all PCs are surfing and connecting OK, then I see no reason what-so-ever to update any drivers (this applies to your modem and/or router firmware also).

Just my 2 cents


But - if you must update the drivers, simply follow collinsl suggestions and advice . . . he knows what he's doing. :cool

 

The router won't have a driver, it is not dependent on the operating system. There may be newer firmware (basically the built-in operating system for the router if you will). Check on your router manufacturer's web site (have your router model # and version info handy) and see if there are any firmware updates.
But as stated if you are not having any problems with your network/internet connections you may be better off not updating. The only exception is if the update corrects any security issues the router maker has found.

As for the network adapter (wired or wireless), run either Windows Update or Update Driver for that adapter from the Device Manager in the Control Panel (in Win 7, in XP the device manager is under the System/Hardware in the Control Panel). If Microsoft has an updated driver for the adapter, it's usually OK to install it.
You can check the manufacturer's site for the adapter too but they may have a driver that hasn't gone through Microsoft's WHQL process yet and could cause a problem.

Sam

 

Sorry if I was not clear enough.

I meant that the dongle must be able to get it's updates from the internet whilst it is upgrading or updating, thus a wired connection must be present to the internet to allow the download or reconnection.

However, after the wise words of dlb and scajjr I must also caution that these updates should not be taken lightly and should only be done if there is already a problem or if the update fixes a security flaw found in the software.