installing drivers...

[James314]

hi all,

when i go to perform windows updates I am offered updates for my GPU - 7500. Should I d/l it or rely on IBM's updates? Which is better, more reliable? I ask because IBM seems to provide updates once in a blue moon whereas windows seems to be more frequent and so I am wondering why there is such a discrepancy.

thanks,

James.

[JHEM]

NEVER install any drivers other than the ones provided by IBM unless you've got a degree in CS!

Even then, think long and hard about it, then think again.

Regards,

James

[James314]

ok, now you have scared the s**t out of me...what do you mean? whats wrong with performing a driver update? So you are saying that windows are wrong in trying to provide me with a 7500 update and i should only trust IBM?

James

[jdhurst]

Windows uses generic drivers. IBM tests, and in some instances modifies the drivers they supply. I agree with James. I never use the Windows updates for drivers, only the IBM site. That said, I have all the newest IBM drivers and BIOS installed on my T41 - no exceptions. All is well.
... JD Hurst

[Peter_S]

Drivers are essentially the special software code that permits a given piece of hardware to communicate with a given operating system. As such, I ALWAYS defer to the hardware manufacturer's driver software, rather than Microsoft's recommended driver! Problems usually result from installing the suggested Microsoft driver.

Working in the Information Technology field myself, many of us in the software deployment area have formally asked Microsoft to cease in recommending driver updates via its Automated Updates site! Many, many problems have resulted from users installing these driver updates!

[James314]

thanks for the help guys, i have currently got an update from windows which i installed abount 2 months ago, all works perfectly well and its good to have a more recent driver, that said, now i know of the risks, dont think ill d/l from windows in the future!

James.