HP Smart vs. Downloading Drivers From Website

[Batears52]

Looking for some clarification:

In the first quarter of 2020, I bought a new desktop computer.  Even though the printer is out of warranty, an agent at HP helped me install the required software - by going to HP's website, locating the printer, downloading & installing the "HP OfficeJet Pro 6970 All-in-One Print and Scan Driver and Accessories" file.  I have an "HP Office Jet Pro 6970" icon on my Desktop, and there are a half-dozen HP programs listed in Programs And Features.  (The same program, drivers & features were installed on my wife's & son's laptops.)

Fast Forward to now.  My wife just got a new Desktop computer.  All I am being prompted to install is HP Smart.  I did.  It works.  She can print.  But I have to ask:  Does HP Smart REPLACE what I downloaded before?  What exactly is HP Smart vs. the usual HP software & drivers package I am used to?

All computers are running Windows 10 Home.

Also, I just happened to notice that there is a "critical" firmware update for this printer (released 10 days ago).  How would we have been notified about this and prompted to update?

Thanks!

[Dragon-Fur]

@Batears52 

The Full Feature Software is available - install it on the new Desktop.

If you have not done so, download-save-install the Full Feature Software for the printer

HP Easy Start Printer Setup Software 

About 2/3 of the way through the setup, you will be given the opportunity to select the software - select the "Full" driver set (as opposed to the basic driver).

After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in.

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I am not prepared to provide an exact comparison - typing on the fly is something I try to avoid when detailing software.

That said,

HP Smart is an application - it provides some nice features in a newer GUI (Graphics User Interface) format.  People who use mobile devices might find the format (presentation) more familiar or at least comfortable to use.

Example - HP Smart - Windows - Main Menu

HP_Smart_W10_Start_Screen_4

The Full Feature Software is the "original" full driver software that provides the foundation for several printing and scanning jobs, including printing from Word, printing from within Photo view / editing software, printing from your Web browser, basic and complex scanning jobs.

Examples - Printing Preferences

9025_HP_Scan_Menu_PDF_3

Note that HP Smart can make use of the "shortcuts" one finds in the Full Feature Software (Print > Select > View > More Settings

HP_Smart_W10_Borderless_Print_4x6_2

Printer  Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

 “Things that are your printer”

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, User Guides / Manuals, Product Information (Specifications), more

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer 

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