Windows 7: Optional Updates

I'm not familiar with doing driver updates. I have 3 optionals from Windows Update. I've read both pros & cons to using Windows Update for drivers but it's been awhile, so what's the current consensus now that I'm running Windows 7? Is it 'good to go' or is it best to go to the product sites?

Others may disagree but I believe the first place to check for updated drivers is at the computer manufacturer's website. (If it's a home built machine then check the individual manufacturer websites for motherboard, graphics card, etc.) I also think most people would say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

A few months ago Windows Updates said there was a new driver available for my Sony Vaio's Intel HD 3000 graphics. I went to the Intel site to verify. It was there so I installed it. Almost immediately I began getting blue screens. I went back to the older version and all was well. I emailed Intel and they said once they release a driver, each computer manufacturer or component manufacturer is free to optimize the driver for their particular needs. Sony hadn't optimized it and it wasn't compatible with my Vaio.

If you decide to install those drivers I'd recommend you make a restore point just in case something doesn't work. Better yet, a system image. Go to the Acer website to verify the version being offered as an optionl update is the latest and greatest for your computer. Same thing with nVidia.

Those drivers recommended by windows update are certified to work flawless, they might not be tuned for best performance, but since your chipset is a bit dated i see no harm in installing them.

I don't even know what chipset means.

I doubt if there is a consensus.

I generally don't update drivers unless I am having problems with some specific piece of hardware.

Driver updating is usually harmless, but I recently had a situation where an updated video driver (from Windows Updates) caused an error message when I tried to view jpegs in Windows Photo Viewer. The jpegs would not display at all. I reverted to the old driver and all was well.

I haven't had much luck with WU hardware update offerings. WU alerts me that there might be an update available and I do try what they offer. Oft times though I have to roll it back, and check either the PC mfr or the hardware mfr sites. I've also had issues when the PC mfr didn't update their offering and I went to the hardware site - but it's easy to roll it back. Eventually the PC mfr offers an update (could be months later).

So, generally I create my own problems when I wasn't having any - just to get the latest and "greatest" driver.

I agree with
ignatzatsonic: "I generally don't update drivers unless I am having problems with some specific piece of hardware."
and with
marsmimar: " I believe the first place to check for updated drivers is at the computer manufacturer's website"

A computer chipset consists of a set of integrated circuits or chips that are marketed as a single product.

Chipset - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Your computer will not function without them.