Driver/Software Updating Software

CrisisWolf · 7 Jul 2013 at 14:31

I'm awaiting delivery of a new OCUK PC next week so compiling the list of things to install. This forum has been useful so far with the order and the best freeware (CCleaner which I already use, Microsoft Security Essentials, Defraggler etc)

Something not on the list is Driver updater, something to check the whole ream and if it does software (DivX, Adobe and anything else) that's a bonus. Only ones I'm finding are paid for annually (including the one bundled with Advanced System Optimizer) or only do software (e.g. the FileHippo updater)

I'll be running Windows 8 64-Bit as well.

Any other utility advice would be appreciated to keep it running smoothly.

Sliver · 7 Jul 2013 at 14:40

Windows takes care of most drivers for you by default. Motherboard drivers etc. will be installed by OCUK for you. Any new hardware you install will have drivers on a disc. The only drivers you need to take care of really are graphics drivers from Nvidia/AMD. I certainly would not buy software to do a job which you can easily do yourself. All you need to do is check Device Manager in Control Panel and see what if anything needs updating and then if needed, go to the manufacturers website and update as required.

CrisisWolf · 7 Jul 2013 at 15:19

Clearly from day one the new machine will be up to date, just the ongoing checking for update burden. I've never found the Device Manager that prompt at finding updates, Windows Update seems to pick up a few. If GFX drivers are the key focus that does make the process manageable. What about Motherboard drivers?

CCleaner and Defraggler have been good to me so far on my ageing laptop (which I'm using until the OCUK desktop arrived). Those two combined with Security Essentials should see me covered?

KIA · 7 Jul 2013 at 18:27

Update drivers manually. Check the relevant websites periodically.

Secunia PSI will help you keep critical software up-to-date.

Philtor · 7 Jul 2013 at 19:56

Is your new PC running a SSD? If so then do not defrag it as it will only put wear on the drive and not make anything faster.

CrisisWolf · 7 Jul 2013 at 20:04

Yeah its got the 120gb SSD. Did read about them not needing a defrag? Dont understand why but sounds good.

KIA · 7 Jul 2013 at 20:06

CrisisWolf said:
Yeah its got the 120gb SSD. Did read about them not needing a defrag? Dont understand why but sounds good.

Excessive writes. SSD access time is ridiculously low so no need to defrag.

CrisisWolf · 7 Jul 2013 at 20:16

Gotcha. What about those Hybrid SSDs? OCUK sell one... Just thinking of future 2nd HDD should the 120GB fill up

Cant wait. Thanks for the advice.

darael · 7 Jul 2013 at 21:36

The drivers I would bother with are, in order of installation:

Chipset
Graphics
Sound
Network

Sliver · 8 Jul 2013 at 07:33

CrisisWolf said:
I've never found the Device Manager that prompt at finding updates...

Device Manager does not find updates. It does indicate that you may need updates though as any device without drivers installed is flagged. This is why you should go there first to see what might be missing.

CrisisWolf · 9 Jul 2013 at 19:12

Just reading an article on Windows 8:

Windows 8 does not allow the defragmenting of an SSD and simply triggers TRIM instead.

Windows 8 has "Optimize Drive". Basically does a real delete of files marked for deletion on the drive kind of a "free space wipe" I guess for HDD.