Netbook Drivers

Netbooks (also called mini notebooks or subnotebook) are becoming increasingly popular due to their high degree of portability, low price, and high utility, particularly for business and academic users. To get all of these features in one package, however, requires that netbook manufacturers use only moderately powerful PC components. Most netbooks, compared to modern notebook and desktop computers, have little RAM, a slower processor, and a weaker graphics card. Because of this, it is very important that netbook users keep their drivers up to date. Whereas a more powerful computer may be able to overcome dilapidated or old drivers through raw computing power, with a netbook it is essential to maintain drivers or else performance bogs down considerably.

Some things you should know about netbook drivers:

If your netbook is slowing down or crashing, faulty drivers may be to blame. The performance of your netbook will significantly deteriorate if your drivers begin to have problems. Before you think of reinstalling your operating system or purchasing a new component, consider updating your drivers.

Netbooks use a number of proprietary, manufacturer-specific components. Because of this, it can be very difficult to find proper netbook drivers. People who have computers that use an AMD or Intel processor are typically able to download standard drivers offered by these companies. This is typically not possible if you own a netbook. If your netbook uses an Intel Atom processor, there are standardized, updated drivers available. If not, you typically have to access your netbook manufacturer's website to retrieve the latest drivers. Companies like Asus, Dell, and Samsung typically have automated driver update applets on their websites.

Constantly check for updated drivers. Netbooks are known to have performance issues when playing back high definition videos or using many applications at once. Driver updates are released very often that are specifically tailored to increase video playback ability and bolster your netbook's multitasking ability.

Most netbooks come with a Realtek audio system. Realtek releases new drivers for their audio products every few month that increase sound quality, decrease computer utilization, and improve the stability of your computer. Realtek's website has an automatic driver updating tool that is quite easy to run. If your netbook is a little older, you should get the new audio drivers. You will notice many improvements.

If your netbook is running Windows XP, try to avoid using Windows automated driver updates if you can. Often times, Windows will automatically install drivers that are not made specifically for your netbook. These drivers, while not necessarily incompatible with your netbook, can slow down your computer, decrease system stability, and may be difficult to remove. Because netbooks are so unique, you are almost always better off seeking out the correct drivers on your own.

If your netbook's components are having driver issues and you cannot resolve them, it may just be a matter of waiting for a little while. Netbooks have been around for years, but they have only recently become very popular. As such, manufacturers are still in the process of designing and coding drivers that are optimal for netbooks. The netbook's design principles are very unique and, up until very recently, were completely unprecedented in the computer industry. Check your manufacturer's website often for driver updates, as new drivers are generally released without any publicity or fanfare.