Wireless Software Updates

[pcpunk]

So I wanted to update my wireless driver/adapter, hell I don't even know the right name for it lol.  I am hoping that I can get a bit more range from my wirelss doing this as stated by the literature.  I have a fixed issue with my router so I cannot fix that and funds are not there for a fix.  I have been told to go to this site and download this driver but I am very nervous about doing any computer stuff lol.  

I am also interested in what the difference is between these two different software, and the terminology.  The first one is: 

Intel®PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection, Hardware Version 6.0.31 MAC Address 

00:13:77.30:EE:13,802.11b/g

 

And the second is:  Broadcom 802.11 Wireless LAN Adapter,  This is the one that I am told to update by pcmag.com.

 

They both seem to be called adapter/drivers but they appear to work together but should be called something different right?

Here is the site that I have been told to download the adapter from, what can you guys tell me aside from not knowing what my system is.  

And can I just go to computer management and click update for the new driver?  Thanks in advance, Chirs

 

http://h20565.www2.hp.com/portal/site/hpsc/template.PAGE/public/psi/swdDetails/?sp4ts.oid=3993821&spf_p.tpst=swdMain&spf_p.prp_swdMain=wsrp-navigationalState%3Didx%253D%257CswItem%253Dob_101092_1%257CswEnvOID%253D1093%257CitemLocale%253D%257CswLang%253D%257Cmode%253D%257Caction%253DdriverDocument&javax.portlet.begCacheTok=com.vignette.cachetoken&javax.portlet.endCacheTok=com.vignette.cachetoken

[CWB]

i'll take it that this is a continuation of *the other* topic ?

 

to be a bit more clear on things ...

the link you posted is (basically) the software for running this :

http://www.intel.com/products/wireless/prowireless_mobile.htm

this is a relatively easy update (a straight .exe ... not zipped) ; download the "driver" software to your desktop (for easy access) and then right click on the package and select "run as administrator (if you are running W7) .

 

... however ...

 

as you mentioned two distinctly different items (one made by intel and the other a broadcom product) you have to make sure that you have the correct software for the hardware installed in your machine .

you mentioned an article in a magazine stating "this is what you need" ... but is the article correct ?

it is best to know the make and model of your machine (including the HP service tag numbers and full model number) and then check at the HP site for the latest drivers for the particular wireless card installed in your machine .

 

also , as i mentioned ... if you are not familiar with the trappings of this type of thing , it is best to have someone there to walk you though this .

 

one of the other guys here works on a lot of hp stuff ... perhaps he can shed some light .

[pcpunk]

CWB, so this is the Hardware: Intel®PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection, Hardware Version 6.0.31 MAC Address 

00:13:77.30:EE:13,802.11b/g

 

And this is the software: Broadcom 802.11 Wireless LAN Adapter

 

And what is the correct terminology between the two?

 

pcmag.com said to do this but the person who showed me where to get the download after giving my pc info. was from the HP forum.  He looks to be a long time poster with almost 30,000 posts so I trust him but just wanted to know the terminology and maybe get a second opinion.  Perhaps advice on how I can double check this info.  My pc is not on the list at that site but the necessary information is like:  HP Compaq  Business Laptop with Windows XP 32bit and the Hardware the driver is for.  It all looks right just want to make sure.  

 

Also, if you don't mind-I have wondered if I can just go to "manage" and go to the Broadcom driver and just click "Update" or is this not the best way to do this.  Also, when installed, will the installer take care of everything, like getting rid of the old driver etc. and again should I dissconect from the web

[David H. Lipman]

Please provide a screen-capture of the devices, with the Network adapters section expanded, in your PC as seen in the example below...

 

[pcpunk]

I can't do that lol. I tried alt+print-screen like it says in help but nothing.  I could not paste it no matter which way I tried.  It was not going to my clipboard either.  I need to check the program that houses that function if you know what it is tell me here lol.  

I can simply tell you what is in there like the two things I mentioned above along with a "1394 Net Adapter"  That is it.

 

I would love to learn how to use screen capture but mine is not working for some reason, I have tried this before. 

[AdvancedSetup]

You can try a different Screen Capture program if needed.  Here are some free ones.
Best Free Screen Capture Tool

[CWB]

it looks as if HP used two different vendors for the wireless card in your machine ... this is not an uncommon practice .

(think of the old abbot and costello "who's on first" shtick)

 

to expand a bit ...

the two items you provided are both wireless devices that perform the same basic function .

what must be accurately determined is which one is installed in your machine .

going to the device manager is a good way to do this ... then there is no doubt (well , 99% of the time) as to what is physically in place .

from there , entering the make , model , OS and such at HP will produce the correct driver for your machine .

 

the reason for going to the manufacturer of your laptop for the drivers is due to "compatibility" .

software is often *customized* for use by a manufacturer for a given device .

the code monkeys wrote it for your machine , so it is a fact that it works ...

albeit maybe not as well as expected and hence the need for updated drivers in this instance .

 

ps ... yer lucky ... i have had to crack open laptops to physically determine what was in place .