Software Installer

[IronFish]

Hello. I am generally new to owning my own pc (always used my company's and they took care of such things as "driver" updates and such). While I'm happy with the T42p I've purchased, the topic of keeping my computer up-to-date with the latest drivers, etc. seems to be quite perplexing. I've been notified by IBM through their "message center" that they now have a tool called "Software Installer" that SUPPOSEDLY makes things easier for people like me who are just starting to learn. I've been around long enough not to take IBM on face value for what they say all the time (mainframe, websphere, etc.).

Could I get the opinion of several experienced folks out here on this board on whether I should download the Software Installer and begin using it? Is it really what they say it is? I've heard it doesn't upgrade the BIOS, which is good, right? I've always heard it is not good to upgrade BIOS unless you REALLY need to (especially for novices like me). What about other updates - should I really just let the tool tell me what I need and accept it on blind faith? Something tells me - NO!

What is the general consensus on this new offering by IBM?

Thanks in advance everyone!

[juancferrer]

YES!! it works. USE IT!!

Before this new software installer, IBM had the "IBM Update Connector" which was pure garbage, but the new software installer is awesome. The older software installer was good too, but it didn't automatically search online for the new updates, like the new software installer does.

[daeojkim]

The software installer will make your life so much easier... all the drivers and BIOS update can be done pretty much automatically. It will access the internet and see if there is any drivers that need to be updated.

[Mumin]

Software installer rocks !!! Two thumbs up. No worries.

[Plinkerton]

I was very wary about using it also, but it's awesome.

Updated EVERYTHING, and my BIOS, completely without a hitch.

[asiafish]

I did have a snag with Software Update (or manual updates) on my T42p. The newest modem driver only works as a "pulse" dialing modem, but reverting back to the older driver restores tone dialing.

That isn't Software Update's fault, as it does exactly what it should and selects the newest version.

[IronFish]

I'm still EXTREMELY thrown off and scared about updating my bios. I hear really BAD things about updating a bios and controller. I'm not a savvy computer geek and if it bricked my computer I'd be dead meat. What's the percentage of BIOS gone Bad events?

Just curious.

Sorry its taken so long to thank you all for answers - been out of town.

[GomJabbar]

Software Installer goes online and searches for all the newest IBM drivers and BIOS updates available for your particular ThinkPad. After completing this search, Software Installer presents you with a list of all the updates it's found, and gives you the choice of which ones you want to install.

In other words, you know exactly which updates are available and you choose which ones will be installed.

So far I have had no problems with any of IBM's updates with my T-42, or previously with my 600E.

I agree with the others: It ROCKS!

[daeojkim]

The greatest wisdom of all. If aint broken don't fix it. Really. If you are not having problems with the current BIOS just leave it as it is, especially when you don't feel comfortable upgrading it.

Upgrade does not always mean good.

[Sable]

I just used Software Installer to update to a newly released BIOS version for T43P. Updated to Version 1.08 - had 1.06a installed from the factory which was interesting.

Anyway, I deselected all other updates and just left the BIOS selected; it extracted the files and ran the utility automagically which popped up a screen giving some info then restarted the machine and booted straight into the BIOS update from the console. Worked without a hitch.

[IronFish]

Thanks to all for your answers. Perhaps I'll wait and let the sedatives kick in before trying this.

Thanks again.