I repeat:
If there is a firmware update, then apply the update.
There is a very good reason why a mfg will release a firmware update, DESPITE the high costs associated with development, documentation, release and distribution of a firmware update.
And I agree to the fullest extent. In nearly 99.5% of the time no issue is created and upgrading is quite safe. Same as for BIOS. If an updated version of BIOS is available then the BIOS must be flashed. But if the flashing of BIOS misfires then there could be a major problem.
If updating the firmware does cause some problem on a very rare occasion then restore the immediately previous image and you are again back in business.
May be you are right, stormy. But because the OP originally posted this message in the Software Forum I think it is best that he clarifies what he meant by Firmware.
Incidentally Wikipedia say this, "In electronic systems and computing, firmware is the combination of read-only memory and program code and data stored in it. Typical examples of devices containing firmware are embedded systems, computers, computer peripherals, mobile phones, and digital cameras . The firmware contained in these devices provides the control program for the device."
Wikipedia has it about right.
Firmware refers to code written to a chip on the hardware device in question.
Not to a directory somewhere within C:\
A firmware update, like a BIOS update, is often perfectly safe and fine. However, anybody who has ever "bricked" a device when doing a firmware upgrade is likely to be "once bitten, twice shy". This is why I only perform them when there is a problem experienced by me, that requires this update. For example, my mobo doesn't recognize my CPU. However, a BIOS update for "floppy drive" performance will be skipped as I haven't owned a floppy drive in years.
On some equipment, if you update the firmware and it doesn't work right, you can reapply another firmware version and get back to where you were. On other equipment though, like a bad mobo flash, you might have a machine that doesn't boot up or power on at all. And you won't have the luxury of simply pushing over an older image as the system doesn't run enough to load a new image.
At work, I often update firmware without a concern...as they aren't my boxes. At home, I'll less likely to apply them as it's my own personal equipment.
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