Do you install software from the cd/dvd or go straight to the website?

[yoda313]

So when you purchase new software or hardware do you use the provided installation disc or go straight to the website?

Most of the time I use the install disc. I have sub .5mb dsl so even though large downloads don't take that long really I'd prefer to get started right away and update later.

How about you? Do you prefer to get the latest updates first and forgo the install disc?

[lordsmurf]

It depends on what it is. If it's just a driver coming with hardware, I'll typically use the disc. If it's software (scanner TWAIN interface, capture software, etc), then I'll grab the download.

Software is different. When I bought Adobe CS3, I installed off the discs (16GB on 4 DVDs), and then went to adobe.com right away to grab all the updates.

I rarely buy downloaded software unless it's under $50 and it's a small file (under 50MB).

Sometimes a special piece of hardware has no online download available (be it software or drivers). My WD-version PCI Promise TX2 card is that way. Same for my KVM and CF reader.

[JohnnyMalaria]

If I have what I need on the install disc, I'll use that.

[dun4cheap]

I like to download the most recent drivers. The CD/DVD in the box could have been pressed a year ago.

[classfour]

I use the original CD. Unless it originated from Hewlett-Packard.

I've actually witnessed two identical scanners, with identical (looking) install discs - one installed, the other did not, and would never install that scanner ever again to that machine.

Tried on a different machine with same result. Even an uninstall wouldn't correct this - and I'm too old and lazy to dig it out of the registry.

Ended up making a copy of the working disc for the other scanner - which worked.

I have never bought another HP product since.

[gadgetguy]

If I have the CD/DVD, I start there, then get any updates on-line. Although for the last couple years I've purchased most of my software on-line and I don't order the physical CD if offered.

[yoda313]

If I have the CD/DVD, I start there, then get any updates on-line. Although for the last couple years I've purchased most of my software on-line and I don't order the physical CD if offered.

That's interesting gadgetguy. Do you bother to make a cdr backup of the install file? I have a whole directory of downloaded files so I don't have redownload them again. Now of course I'd have to get updates now and then but I can go back to my first download and start over if I need to.

[gadgetguy]

Not as such. Like you, I download to a "Downloads" folder in My Documents but I fairly regularly backup the My Documents folder (including the Downloads folder) and clean off the drive. So if I need to reinstall I have to go to the backup. Likewise I backup all of my emails so I can always go back to get a registration number.

[Baldrick]

I like to download the most recent drivers. The CD/DVD in the box could have been pressed a year ago.

Same here.

[John]

Depends on what it is, usually i will have a quick look at the web site first to see if there is a recent version

[fritzi93]

I like to download the most recent drivers. The CD/DVD in the box could have been pressed a year ago.

Exactly. :wink:

[waheed]

I like to download the most recent drivers. The CD/DVD in the box could have been pressed a year ago.

Exactly. :wink:

Ditto