Do you install/use the software for your peripherals?

[sneekypeet]

This is pretty straight forward. I am looking to get as many votes as possible as to whether you are the type to buy a new peripheral and are more plug and play, or on the other side, are you a software junky?

Reasons for answers are always helpful, but I find myself in the situation that once I have tested the device for a couple of days and figured out the software and settings, I do not opt to install software on other computers with the same devices.

Would you mind if driver/software came in a "lite" version that only ran from a folder rather than installing onto the C drive?

 

[pigulici]

Of course the "little" version it is preferable, but I think it depend of kind of peripheral you have, on my wacom tablet I have to install all(to work on all pressure levels or have high sensitivity in Photoshop) , but on my gaming mouse , I let the windows 7 to install what wanted, so I don't think it is a general rule for all peripherals...

 

[Blue-Knight]

Do you install/use the software for your peripherals?

I voted "No".

They are mostly "crapware" and most of time "Windows Only".

 

[sneekypeet]

Of course the "little" version it is preferable, but I think it depend of kind of peripheral you have, on my wacom tablet I have to install all(to work on all pressure levels or have high sensitivity in Photoshop) , but on my gaming mouse , I let the windows 7 to install what wanted, so I don't think it is a general rule for all peripherals...

This helps as I wasn't really putting more than mice and keyboards into my thought process. I can definitely see where some devices "need" them to function properly on any level. This is more on the aspect of tuning, or need for them outside of fancy lights and high end options.

 

[lilhasselhoffer]

I selected no as a general rule, but there are some exceptions.

My headphones came with software, designed to tweak the response, balance, etc... Completely skipped that, and the default drivers work well.
My RAT mouse had software, but it's an abortion of design. After trying the software once, getting frustrated, uninstalling the thing, and discovering the only thing I gave up was DPI settings I never looked back.
I've never installed keyboard software. If the lighting isn't to my liking, and I can't change it with a physical button (thank you Thermaltake, for being smart enough to incorporate that), I remove it with soldering iron and razor.
Other mice are...less finicky. After the RAT I have been content with way less buttons. As such, no software. After the RAT software crap, I decided that a mouse that requires software is a mouse I don't want to buy.


Edit:
Changed vote from "no" to "remove after configuration." It seems more accurate to the reality, but I still don't desire installing extra software.

 

[95Viper]

Mostly, yes: however, some no... example, I use the setpoint software for my touchpad/mouse, the gaming software for my keyboard, and the display software for my monitor.
However, I do not use the backup software that came with my sata card or the esata dock. I, also, do not use the extra software that came with my printers.
So it depends on it's usefulness and/or my need of it: but, if it contains ads, junk links or is totally crippled... I don't even want it.

 

[Toothless]

Errr.. I use the software from my motherboard to tweak my headset if that makes sense. Otherwise I don't use software.

 

[HossHuge]

I never do. All the crap that comes with printers and anything with "Creative" written on it is unnecessary.

 

[Frick]

No. I installed a colour profile for a monitor once, thru Windows update, and it completely screwed up the colours. All whites were yellow.

Soundcards I sometimes install software for. I had a motherboard and a 4.1 speaker setup once and I had to use some software to use it properly, for some reason I can't remember.

All the crap that comes with printers

Oh my yes, printer software is always, always extremely terrible in every sense of the word. Extra toolbars, eternal popups about crap, adding tens of seconds to boot; it's all there.

 

[manofthem]

I have installed software before and have pretty much hated it every time.

The only current software I have installed is the HORRIBLE Razer Synapse and that's only because I used to get the color to light up red instead of blue. But I never thought of uninstalling it after setting the colors
(and I think it's safe to say that Razer Synapse is as bad as everyone says)

My RAT mouse had software, but it's an abortion of design.

I agree completely. It wasn't long before that was removed for me too

 

[patrico]

I selected no as a general rule, but there are some exceptions.

My RAT mouse had software, but it's an abortion of design. .

I have installed software before and have pretty much hated it every time.
I agree completely. It wasn't long before that was removed for me too

+1

 

[yesyesloud]

Only when necessary (depends on the device).

Alps touchpad drivers have stopped working on my acer laptop since windows 8 (no multi-touch shortcuts like scrolling or zooming anymore). Even its specific W8 drivers won't do. This piece of software used to make my windows experience less annoying. The device works like a charm on Linux though. As a result I tend to avoid running MS OS's for dummies on my laptops now...

On the other hand, I feel MSI afterburner is a fundamental tool for intensive gaming on my desktop box, although MSI isn't really my cards vendor... I prefer customizing them fan curves

My xbox controller receiver needs no extra software since W8. I remember having to install extra junk on W7 in order to game myself to sleep on my couch.

I'd love to never need installing anything "minor" designed for a proprietary OS like Windows.

 

[Drone]

Drivers only. But Windows 10 loves to download crapware with updates.

 

[Kursah]

I need a "both" choice! ... my mice I usually never use the software... and didn't for keyboards until I bought a Logitech G13. I also use the CH software with my Figherstick and Pro Throttle. Though more of as a test than anything. I would did a "lite" version...but I have actually grown to like the Logitech Gaming software....it isn't too heavy on resources and generally works well, is an easy task to kill and restart when it doesn't and in my experience has gotten better with recent updates. So with that I reluctantly chose Yes.

With the games I play it has been nice to assign a profile that uses the default keys placed where I want them to on the controller...sometimes saving actual game control profiles doesn't work out well...but a software profile for the device hasn't let me down yet. Beyond that...the software is useless for me.

 

[sneekypeet]

I need a "both" choice!

Added "Depends on the device" as an option.

 

[RealNeil]

Razer Synapse had to be installed for one of my keyboards, but then I got rid of it. (I mean the keyboard) Now I have another Razer keyboard that I like. I felt that Razer Synapse was intrusive and overactive. I was glad to uninstall it.
I installed CAM software to change the color of my Kraken X41 Pump Light from blue to green. It's still on the PC.

I usually forgo adding crap that I don't need.

 

[vega22]

i only keep stuff installed if i need it.

installed the logictech crap to set my mouse up how i like it and removed it for eg.

other stuff (graphics tab for eg) i am tied to their crap for features much like the other dude :lol:

it really is a horses for courses thing, but as a rule of thumb once it aint needed, it's gone!

 

[marmiteonpizza]

A lot of the software that comes with peripherals is crap, just gimmicky stuff.
So nearly all the time, I leave bundled software and just stick to the drivers. My only exception is my mouse and keyboard, which I use to set-up macro profiles for gaming and internet browsing.

As a general rule for bundled software for anything (GPU's, harddrives etc.), I will only install software after I know it's function and know if I will benefit significantly from it. Hence with the mouse and keyboard macro profiles, which are invaluable when gaming and web browsing (with the slight twitch of my thumb on my Roccat Tyon, I can open new tabs and browser windows).

 

[sneekypeet]

which I use to set-up macro profiles for gaming and internet browsing.

This is more along the lines of what I am looking for. Do people actually use what is offered, or do they change the lights, set the options and just leave it running without ever going back.

 

[dorsetknob]

"" Once upon a time before there was www ( the internet )
one expanded the functionality of one's Precious PC by buying things like Sound cards Hand held Scanners Hard Cards Modems and all sort of weird kit.
this kit came with Software and drivers.
1. you installed the kit
2. you installed the Drivers
and because the OS lacked the functionality to use the hardware
3. you installed the Bundled Software
Ah those were the days......................................
Then Came Windows 95>>>>98>>>>Me>>>>XP>>> ""

 

[Nordic]

My corsiar M60 mouse does not work properly without its software, so I need it. Other than that, unless the software has a feature I require such as adjusting DPI then I don't do it.

 

[Maban]

Have to use it with my Naga. Windows doesn't know how to customize 17 buttons on a mouse natively. I use the older Naga specific software, not the Synapse stuff. I had issues with that and this does what I want.

I installed the software/firmware for my keyboard and I could no longer use it in the BIOS. One of these days I will get around to putting the latest BIOS on my motherboard and maybe that will fix it. I don't use the macro keys so I don't actually need the software.

 

[yesyesloud]

"" Once upon a time before there was www ( the internet )
one expanded the functionality of one's Precious PC by buying things like Sound cards Hand held Scanners Hard Cards Modems and all sort of weird kit.
this kit came with Software and drivers.
1. you installed the kit
2. you installed the Drivers
and because the OS lacked the functionality to use the hardware
3. you installed the Bundled Software
Ah those were the days......................................
Then Came Windows 95>>>>98>>>>Me>>>>XP>>> ""

Ah those days... When even bloatware could be fun

 

[dorsetknob]

Ah those days... When even bloatware could be fun

don't think of the original software as bloatware that came later with CD install disks you cannot fit much bloatware on to 3 1/2" 1.44m/b floppys

Usualy the OEM apps for the Hardtware was the only software usable with the hardware at the time it was the arrival of Plug and play o/s such as Win 95 that introduced bloatware
Under Dos ( remember that ) the software functioned and there was little bloatware

 

[RealNeil]

Back in the day, you were often sunk without proper drivers. Back then, they made the PC world go around.