Basic Question About Drivers

[scottinpa37]

Hi everyone. I wanted to ask if there is a big difference between updating the Windows 7 drivers through the Device Manager or through a program like DriverMax or SlimDrivers. I used SlimDrivers a few days ago and it updated a few drivers. It shows that the drivers are all up to date when I do a scan and when I check them in Device Manager, they are updated. I then ran a scan using DriverMax and it shows that I have 11 out of date drivers, such as Intel Chipsets, PCI bridge, processor PCI express root port, Realtek PCIe GBE Family controller, mouse and keyboard. Would it be worth trying to update these drivers with DriverMax or just letting them as is, since Device Manager (which checks my computer and online for updates) and SlimDrivers say they are updated? I attached a screen shot on some of the drivers in DriverMax. Thanks for any help!

 

[maxie]

I would never use any utility like Driver Max etc I use the Manufactures web site And also Windows update thats the best way to go

 

[scottinpa37]

Thank you for your help! Have a great Easter!

 

[whs]

I never update drivers unless I discover a problem (like recently with my audio driver). I go by the saying: " If it ain't broke, don't fix it ".

 

[scottinpa37]

Thanks to both maxie and whs! I appreciate your help very much.

 

[maxie]

You are most welcome

 

[Barman58]

I have used driver management applications in the past, especially with a client system that I do not know the history of or that I have just built/updated.

I never, however use these type of application in an automatic mode. I use it merely to bring my attention to possible updates available. I always research what the driver may add to, (or remove from ). a system and what bugs it purports to fix.

If it seems prudent to update the driver I reboot the system, (to prove the system is healthy before changes), install the update and then reboot again. Any issues can now be checked and if needed the update reversed.

I would never advise the update of more than one driver at any one time, as any issues after the event could be due to any of those drivers updated or a possible conflict between them.

My method may not be for everyone, and it is more involved than a simple button click on an application but it is time proven

 

[scottinpa37]

Thanks for the advice Nigel! Have a great day.

 

[nilank]

I always update drivers by downloading them from respective manufacturers' websites and that too only when the current driver is either troubling or I know I'm going to get some new 'feature' with a newer driver.

Please keep in mind that newer drivers are not always the best and can even cause serious problems and performance issues as is always with ATi drivers.

 

[scottinpa37]

Thanks nilank! I had been using SlimDrivers and it seemed to working ok but when I went to update an Intel PCI Bridge, it stated that the driver I had on my system was newer. LOL SlimDrivers showed the driver was 2 years newer than the one on my system, yet Windows said the newest driver was on my system already.

Thanks everyone for all your help, I really appreciate it!

 

[nilank]

Thanks nilank! I had been using SlimDrivers and it seemed to working ok but when I went to update an Intel PCI Bridge, it stated that the driver I had on my system was newer. LOL SlimDrivers showed the driver was 2 years newer than the one on my system, yet Windows said the newest driver was on my system already.

Thanks everyone for all your help, I really appreciate it!

You're most welcome! You are advised not to use those third party tools. I have used and already suffered a lot (that was something called DriverMax as far as I can remember).

 

[pallesenw]

I never update drivers unless I discover a problem (like recently with my audio driver). I go by the saying: " If it ain't broke, don't fix it ".

What about things that aren't visible to the naked eye or worse, security holes?