Driver Update Sites - Any Good Ones in Existence? 3

[kjv1611]

I can't remember the name, but I think there used to be a pretty decent free online application by CNET or a similar site years ago for updating system drivers, but they had taken the service down at about the time, it started getting seemingly more accurate.

Based on my reading about, and testing once for myself, a this software auto-install site:

http://ninite.com/

(From my first test, I have to say, it's awesome - it's all totally free right now, while they're trying to come to a decision on how they will do a paid/pro/premium version besides the free one. But the options they say will remain free seems like a plenty to me. It worked really nicely. For instance, I ended up restarting the computer I was trying it on in the middle of the install. Well, after the reboot, I went back to the downloads folder, and re-opened the same exact file. What it did was awesome - if it saw something was already installed, it just skipped it automatically.

I first read about it on Tom's Hardware.


I thought I'd check to see if there were any good driver sites as well.

I came across this right away, but maybe I'm just too paranoid, but something just doesn't seem right to me... can't put my finger on it. Anybody know anything about these guys?:

http://www.driver-utilities.com/

I couldn't check out there other site from work:

http://www.pcerror.info/

Got a proxy message saying the site had potentially unwanted software - it might be bad, might not, if you go there, be careful (unless you already know it's safe). This company says they are based in North Carolina.

Same site, different domain:

http://driverinstaller.net/

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me

 

[BMcAnly]

You may have already seen it, but I've had pretty good luck with Secunia PSI (personal software inspector)

http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/personal

When standing on the edge of a cliff, a step forward is not progress.

 

[wahnula]

Your best bet for driver updates is the hardware vendor. I don't personally trust any of the bazillions of the "driver-blah-blah-blah.com" sites because of the hoops you are required to jump through to get your driver. There's no free lunch, and lots and lots of pitfalls when you download stuff...but you already know that. Forums usually link to decent sources for particular old hardware drivers that might not be on the vendors' site.

When I reload a PC, I get as many hardware reports (Belarc etc.) as I can, and visit the vendor for the driver. Windows Update is pretty good about identifying the hardware that's not up-to-date, but the hardware vendor usually has the latest version. If you are having trouble finding a driver, I would guess that particular piece of hardware is really old and for you to consider replacing it with a newer one. I hate old (ancient) hardware!

There's also a trade-off on the value of running the latest drivers or BIOS revision (with the exception of GFX drivers for gamers and the latest gear) ...it might "break" some features you use or offer features you don't need. I'm of the "if it's not broke don't fix it" school, and rarely have I had any driver problems on any of the 16 or so (including machines built c. 2001) PCs that I oversee once I've installed the vendor's original driver. Good luck with your search.


Tony

Users helping Users...

 

[kjv1611]

True, wahnula. I tend to steer away from anything like that as well, b/c at least 99 % of them are nothing but scams, really. Also, when I have tinkered around a little, just to see, with those that have a little more credibiility to them, I've often found them trying to install the WRONG drivers, which I knew for sure were wrong, b/c I knew the hardware.

However, I might consider at least taking a look at the Secunia thing. From the looks of it, they may be at least a half-way legitimate operation. Maybe I'll get around to looking at it.... then again, who knows, maybe I won't - I've gotta first remember!

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me

 

[dippncope]

One thing I find nice about Secunia PSI is that the updates are not on their site but they point you to manufacturers site to get updates

 

[tf1]

What I do when I build a new PC is to visit all the vendors' sites to check for the latest version of the drivers and Bookmark the URLs. I keep the bookmarks grouped in an appropriately named folder. If I change any hardware, I add the new URL (and delete the old one if no longer needed).

You should do this after a new install or on a new PC anyway because the drivers that come installed will be either out of date or even beta versions.

I check regularly for driver updates and I back up the bookmarks if I update the OS.

For critical software updates, I use Secunia On Line Scanner. Secunia is indispensible for keeping Flash, Java, Acrobat, etc up to date and to ensure that I haven't missed any critical OS updates.


Regards: Terry