How do you "best" keep up with Driver/Firmware updates from Dell?

Hey sounds silly.. but everyone gets a new laptop with something installed on it.. How current it is, who knows. But question is, so much on the dell website regarding drivers etc. How does one get informed of a new update? How does one track if they NEED that update.

Only way I think of is install EACH one and see if it does it.. but then still doesnt mean that you needed it..

Just wondering, anyone have a easy way to track what versions you have compared to the ones on the site? I know HP always could email you on new drivers etc.

Some OEM companies have a mini app that downloads it for you. (Compaq) and allows you to install.

Others have in the control panel a checker to see what versions you have etc.

Just wondering how does Dell work for tracking of updates and if you need it. Thanks. =)

 

It isn't necessary that you download each driver to see if it's up to date. In order to check for updates, I go to my device manager and compare the driver version numbers with the ones on Dell's site. You don't have to download them to check the version number.

Occassionally I'll check the drivers, though I don't really have a set schedule. Everything seems to be working fine, so I don't find a need to update drivers immediately when they come out.

 

Thats whats nice on desktops.. always easier to check for updates alot.. I just dont know how far the E1505 has evolved in Bios or drivers since I got it this week.. I know Ill have to check manually.. no biggie.. just wondering if Dell was like Compaq or HP and lets you know when you need something new.

 

IMHO this is one area where Dell sucks and IBM shines. I have been using an IBM T42 for a couple of years, and suffering new toy fever, just got the Dell e1705, used to have a Dell 4550 desktop.

IBM has a free service/software program which maintains you current by maintaining a current library and automatically checking your driver versions against the most current version, then automatically installing the ones you want to update. To me, together with the no questions asked repair and return within 48 hours when under warranty experience I had with IBM, this is what good customer service means...

 

Yea Compaq updates too or lets you least know of one. IF you let its 3rd party app run.

HP has email offer..

So just trying to make sure Im set.. Unlike desktops where Windows Update could control it.. Dell isnt like that.

 

I thought Dell had a similar application that checks for updates. Isn't it called Dell Support 2.0 or something like that?

Can't you also register at Dell then use the System Profiler to check your system? I'd let you know about that one, but for some reason I always get "You have chosen to not have Service Tag Finder examine your computer." when I try to use it. Perhaps someone else that had success can confirm whether or not the Profiler is any good.

 

Well, the system profiler isn't worth much. Only a few drivers are listed - not enough to be a good utility to compare driver versions.

 

latest drivers & firmwares dont necessarily mean that they're the best..classic case of this are display drivers with supposed tweaks etc..
i agree on the best method to do is to have Dell provide a some software that auto updates the drivers etc but in my opinion its just as easy to check up on it periodically and manually update as you see fit..

 

There are at least a few program/driver check-up/date utilities out there. Some are free while others cost. They work by checking your prog./ driver versions vs. those listed in their online catalogs and updating accordingly. Do some web searching and see what you can find in this regard.

 

Yes, there is...

Here's the link

Mark

 

Heh just ran it.. however doesnt talk about anything driver based..

HOWEVER I WILL give props to its OTHER aspects!

The Dell support tool will EVEN notice things like "Your Font size maybe blurry, let us auto fix it" then it will goto the properties menu itself and change the DPI! WHOA!

It will notice when MS Office needed updates etc! (This was using the web diag tool that you get linked too in the popup msg from dell suppport)

So all in all.. nice indeed the way they improved remote checking of settings and performance tweaks! Neat!. =)

However again.. still didnt say if I had all the driver versions etc.. lol.

I have a A03 Bios for the E1505.. so wonder if thats up to date.. Ill check now.