can software damage hardware ?

[sbaksh]

Hi Guys, I want to know if you install a software that is not recommend for that hardware, can you damage it ? maybe that software can cause the hardware to run at higher frequency, voltages etc.

thanks,
Guys

 

[JustaGeek]

Of course you can.

Software can do damage to BIOS (which is a software, too...), firmware of drives, can overvolt the components, damage the Video Card...

Absolutely!

 

[sbaksh]

ok to lets say i use linux operating system and i use a driver from raylink instead of linksys for my lan card, i can certainly damage my hardware right?

 

[JustaGeek]

I think (and I might be wrong...) that the worst that can happen in this particular case is that your LAN card will not work.

It's like using the ATI driver for your NVidia VC - it won't damage the card, but the boot will fail due to lack of Video.

And the Device Manager (your OS) will not recognize the hardware installed. It might create a "mess" in the OS files when you install the proper driver.

I am not familiar with Linux, but the way I understand it is like trying to make a gasoline propelled vehicle run on diesel fuel - it just won't go, and you will have to clean the fuel system before you go back to gas.

 

[JackMDS]

Nah, wrong drivers would not damage.

However if the Linksys card is Not built with Ralink Chipset, you are wasting your time.

If Linksys does not provide the Drivers try to find out what chipset the card is using, and then search the site of the chipset manafacturer for drivires.

 

[jkresh]

sbabksh its unlikely for the wrong driver to cause damage (shoudnt even be possible outside of some strange circumstances). But any software/tools that mess with overclocking or voltage settings can damage your hardware.

 

[sbaksh]

thanks guys, you been a great help