Two Great Free Utilities (Full Version)

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killroyishere -> Two Great Free Utilities (11/26/2009 8:17:55 PM)

I found a couple of utilities that are great for checking out the optimum status of your computer (for those of you who think yours is always in top shape hehe).

The first one is Pitstop and is found here:
http://www.pcpitstop.com/

Follow these instructions after you download and install the free edition:

1. Under Welcome to PC Pitstop Overdrive click on scan for free now

2. Click on battery of tests

3. Click on 4th one in the list that says: OK, I Want to Run the Tests!

4. Click on the golden key icon under New members

5. Click on Don't create an account

6. Click on Ready Let's GO

The test will start running and it will take just a few minutes. Next you will see the almost ready page. You can answer the questions or just click GO at the bottom of the page
(I don't answer the questions).

This will give you a summary feature with all kinds of information about your system and its specs and what needs to be tweaked or optimized.

Then this next utility will help you get those up to date drivers you don't have.
http://drivermax.com/

The free edition will allow you to download two free drivers a day. Of course if you don't want to wait you can buy the pro version but I can wait myself.

Hope you enjoy this and it helps. [:)] BTW my system came out in the top 3%[:D]



RyanCrierie -> RE: Two Great Free Utilities (11/26/2009 8:55:52 PM)

Ignore everything this guy says. You can download drivers for free from windows update, or from the manufacturers websites.



killroyishere -> RE: Two Great Free Utilities (11/26/2009 9:25:15 PM)

That's true but these sites have them in one place so you don't have to goto other websites.



Capt. Harlock -> RE: Two Great Free Utilities (11/28/2009 1:40:23 AM)

quote:

You can download drivers for free from windows update, or from the manufacturers websites.


Not always. Some manufacturers didn't bother to get their drivers certified for Windows Vista -- which is hardly surprising. Meaning that Windows update doesn't always have the latest and greatest.

Incidentally, PCPitstop used to work with Internet Explorer only. They've finally gotten themselves compatible with FireFox as well, but I'm not sure about other browsers. (I know I've had trouble there with Opera, and I've never tested Safari.)



KG Erwin -> RE: Two Great Free Utilities (12/1/2009 1:35:28 AM)

I can verify that PC Pitstop is a good service for testing performance. However, DriverMax is useless. That service informed me that I needed a 6.14 something or other upgrade to my Sound Max Integrated Audio Device. I come to find out that it is exactly the same as my present driver (5.12), except that the manufacturer is different.

My updates come straight from Dell Support and Windows Update, and that's all I need.

I've learned the hard way that driver updates to the latest & alleged greatest are NOT always better for the performance of your PC, especially if the new gadgetry is NOT digitally signed. In my case, it was definitely true of a video driver update that rendered some of my older games unplayable. I rolled back to an earlier version, and everything now works fine.



06 Maestro -> RE: Two Great Free Utilities (12/1/2009 4:05:03 AM)

I tried Driver Max for a while. I finally gave it up due to the long wait for a download. If you get the paid version it will download quickly. I don't see a need to pay for that service. I did get a few good drivers from them though.

Windows update is not an ideal way to keep your drivers updated-to put it mildly. The driver update utility in the device manager works more thoroughly than Windows Update, but still does not find all the ones you may need.

I have been using PC Pitstop for many years. In the battery of tests it runs you will see your outdated drivers. It is then a matter of finding those drivers online and installing those yourself. With any major brand name such as Nvidia or the main sound card outfits you can go directly to their web site and get your driver. NVidia even has a scanner to make sure you get the correct one. All you really need to know is the exact model of the component you want to check if dealing with a smaller company that does not have the scanner.

Recently I have seen several free programs to keep you informed about driver and program updates. There really is no need to pay for those services. I am leary of allowing an automated outside comapny deciding that I need a driver for some part of my MB-and just installing it. Its not that difficult at all-it just takes a little time. Years ago driver updates was a much more difficult task. It was the thing I dreaded the most after reformats which I used to do on a regular basis because of the chronic registry problems (which no one should have anymore).

I do recommend PC Pitstop. It has many useful tips and programs available. Of course, they are after your money at some point. I have records of PC stats and scans for PC's at PC Pitstop that I don't even own anymore. It can be your personal computer history book.



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