Device drivers refer to software components that accompany most of the new hardware devices. They facilitate interaction between the computer and your newly added device. Usually, device drivers come shipped in CDs with the new hardware that you are trying to install. From time to time, the hardware manufacturers release updates to these device drivers to enhance functionality. Hence, it’s important to keep checking for latest device drivers for your hardware.
Usually, the OS CD is accompanied with a Device Driver CD that have basic drivers for your motherboard, keypad, mouse, sound etc.. and these help you get started. However, over a period of time, new devices like printers, scanners are added to computers and all these would require their respective device drivers to manage interaction with rest of your computer. For some devices, XP and Vista come with built in drivers and the devices get automatically detected when connected to your computer. Like for example, external USB drives or pen drives get automatically detected. These are plug-n-play devices.
Keep in mind that the exact driver required for a device can also vary based on your OS. A driver for a printer for example, can be different for XP and Vista! If the drivers are not readily available, you need to make note of the type of device you are trying to add and then go to the manufacturers website and find a specific driver for that device and your OS combination.
Device drivers are also continuously updated by their manufactures just like any other software program. This is to get rid of bugs, add functionality and expand it’s compatibility so on and so forth. As part of your regular computer maintenance, make sure you check back to the device manufacturers website and download the latest device drivers to keep your system updated.
Related posts:
Trackbacks /
Pingbacks