Driver Update Software Reviews
- Does your computer seem slow or sluggish?
- Are you frustrated when applications freeze up your machine?
- Do you find yourself having to re-boot several times throughout the day?
- The problem may very well lie in your PC’s drivers.
What are drivers?
A driver is a small piece of software that can be thought of as a translator. Its job is to help your computer “talk” to the several smaller machines installed within it, as well as any external hardware you may be using, such as a printer, video card, keyboard, monitor, or webcam. Most PCs have dozens of different drivers installed, all of which can be managed within the operating system’s Device Manager.
When a driver malfunctions or becomes unavailable, you may encounter system failures, data inaccessibility, and unresponsive applications. Even with a smoothly running system, you’ll most likely need to upgrade to newer driver versions to make the most of new features and eliminate bugs that have been discovered.
When a driver malfunctions or becomes unavailable, you may encounter system failures, data inaccessibility, and unresponsive applications. Even with a smoothly running system, you’ll most likely need to upgrade to newer driver versions to make the most of new features and eliminate bugs that have been discovered.
How do I know if I need to fix or update a driver?
- Below are some of the most common indicators of a malfunctioning or missing driver:
- Frequent “crashes” or frozen applications
- Hardware that doesn’t work correctly, such as a printer or webcam
- Unresponsive hardware that isn’t recognized by your PC
- Driver-related error messages or notifications of available upgrades
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| Installation | Extremely quick and easy, even for non-technical users | Relatively quick and easy | Relatively quick and easy |
| Thoroughness | Excellent – searches your entire computer and the Internet to locate drivers | Very good | Very good |
| Automatic updates? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Level of Support | Excellent – personnel are always available to provide personalized service | Very good | Very good |
| Manufacturer-Specific Drivers? | Yes | No | No |
| Email notifications of driver updates? | No | Yes | No |
| Compatibility | Windows XP, Vista | Windows XP, Vista | Windows 98, XP, Vista |
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Top Pick - Driver Detective Review
It’s easy to blame system slowness and hardware limitations on your computer. What many PC users don’t realize, however, is that driver issues are at the root of a majority of their performance problems. By installing an intuitive software solution like Driver Detective, you can put an end to these mysterious issues once and for all.
Benefits of Driver Detective
- Manufacturer-specific: This is the one and only software of its kind that looks for drivers tailored to your particular brand of computer. If you have a Dell, for example, Driver Detective will provide you with custom recommendations for the Dell drivers that are required for your particular model.
- Speed of Use: Installing and updating drivers doesn’t have to be a time-consuming task. Driver Detective makes the process virtually instantaneous, so you’ll start noticing performance improvements right away.
- Intuitive Interface: PC users of all skill levels will find the interface extremely easy to navigate. The streamlined design makes it easy to find the information you need, without bombarding you with excess technical jargon.
- Superior Service: Unlike other software, Driver Detective is backed by courteous, knowledgeable support personnel who are always available to assist with your questions. Built-in help is also available within the software.
Why We Chose Driver Detective
Although other software solutions, such as DriverCure and Driver Genius, provide comparable services with satisfactory results, they don’t go as far as Driver Detective in providing comprehensive coverage for your individual PC. Driver Detective is the only package that offers manufacturer-specific monitoring based on your computer’s brand. That unique distinction, coupled with its thorough search of your entire computer to ensure the installation of proper drivers, makes it our top choice in driver optimization software.
Driver Cure Review
Looking for a quick fix for your driver problems? Frustrated by unresponsive hardware or frequent error messages? Don’t spend an arm and a leg on expensive computer repair services—DriverCure can help! Below are just some of the features that make this software a popular solution among PC users:
- Easy Installation:You don’t have to be a programmer or tech-savvy user to benefit from DriverCure. This simple software installs on your machine in seconds, and immediately starts working to improve your system performance.
- Effectiveness: DriverCure continually checks your entire computer to determine which drivers are required to power the hardware and software you use. If a problem is detected, the software quickly troubleshoots and resolves it to minimize the impact on your system’s productivity. DriverCure also looks for any necessary updates and takes care of them for you.
- Compatibility: DriverCure works with both Windows XP (32-bit) and Vista (32- and 64-bit) operating systems.
- Communication: Through timely email notifications, DriverCure keeps you informed of any available driver updates that could improve your PC’s performance—much more preferable to being bombarded with constant error messages that interrupt your work.
- Efficiency: DriverCure is not a resource-hungry software, so it won’t require a large amount of power to operate and won’t slow down your PC.
Our Take on DriverCure
Although we were impressed with many of the features and functions bundled with DriverCure, it doesn’t offer the manufacturer-specific driver monitoring that you can get with its competitor, Driver Detective. If you’re looking for the full package—comprehensive driver searches, ease of use, AND updates tailored to your PC, Driver Detective seems to have an edge over DriverCure
Driver Genius Review
There are several solid reasons to implement Driver Genius, but one feature it doesn’t have is manufacturer-specific driver installations. Driver Detective is the only software on the market that offers this prime benefit. In addition to the speed, thoroughness, and ease of use of Driver Genius, Driver Detective automatically detects and installs the particular drivers needed for your PC.
Driver health is one of the most important factors determining the speed and performance of your PC. Your computer relies on dozens of drivers to power the hardware you use on a daily basis. The good news? You don’t have to spend hours each month manually monitoring and updating drivers. With Driver Genius, you’re just a few clicks away from a quick, seamless solution to all your driver issues.
- Advanced backup function:In addition to searching a comprehensive database for any missing drivers you may need, Driver Genius also backs up your existing drivers into Zip files or other formats, making it a breeze to restore them after new operating system installations.
- Thoroughness: This smart software continually searches a database of more than 30,000 drivers that are required to run all types of hardware devices: monitors, modems, MP3 players, video cards, and much more.
- Easy downloads: If Driver Genius finds a required driver your system couldn’t locate, the software sends you a link to an instant download, taking the guesswork out of what used to be a confusing and cumbersome process.
- Streamlined interface: You won’t find any complex navigation or overwhelming menus—just a clean, efficient environment that’s as easy to use as Windows Explorer.
- Compatibility: Driver Genius works seamlessly with Windows 98, XP, and Vista.
There are several solid reasons to implement Driver Genius, but one feature it doesn’t have is manufacturer-specific driver installations. Driver Detective is the only software on the market that offers this prime benefit. In addition to the speed, thoroughness, and ease of use of Driver Genius, Driver Detective automatically detects and installs the particular drivers needed for your PC.
Driver Detective will quickly scan your PC, detect and update the following drivers
| Scanner Drivers | USB Drivers | Vista Drivers |
| Windows Drivers | Graphics / Video Drivers | Bluetooth Drivers |
| Printer Drivers | Digital Camera Drivers | Notebook Drivers |
| Ethernet Drivers | Sound / Audio Drivers | Modem Drivers |
| Device Drivers | Video Drivers | Mouse Drivers |
| CD / DVD Drivers | Network Drivers | Webcam Drivers |
| Bios / Motherboard | RAID Drivers | Keyboard and Monitor Drivers |
| and MANY more...
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