A driver is a program that enables communication between an operating system (OS) and a hardware component or software application. Every computer uses multiple drivers to control the various installed hardware components and applications.
Without these drivers, the hardware and software will not function properly, and in some cases may not be able to function at all.
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For Example – Computer could not send and receive data correctly to hardware devices, like printer.
There are two primary types of drivers:
- Device drivers
- Software drivers.
What is Device Drivers?
Device controllers are designed for communication between the operating system and the device. These drivers are usually manufactured by the same company that makes the device. However, if the device driver is created by a third party, it is designed according to a published hardware standard.
Short List of Devices Need Drivers
- Printers
- Sound cards
- Digital cameras
- Video cards
- Scanners
- Motherboard chipsets
- Modems
- Motherboard chipsets
- Card readers
- Network interface cards
What is Software Drivers?
These drivers enable communication between OS and software applications. The main aim behind software drivers is to enable or disable access to protected data that is only available to programs in kernel mode.
List of the Devices May Not Need Drivers
Importance of Installation Drivers
Both the drivers are important, if any of the drivers is not installed, the computer may not work properly.
or you can say, some device may work but not all function of that device works.
Let take an example to understand it more better –
A mouse works without drivers but if it has more buttons then extra button won’t work without the installation of drivers.
How to Install Drivers in Computer?
Install Device Driver from a CD or DVD
One of the most common ways to install a device driver is from a CD or a DVD. You can usually find a device driver CD or DVD when you buy hardware devices like a printer.
Install Computer Driver from a USB Drive
Computer device drivers can be installed from a USB drive the same way you would install a device driver from a CD or a DVD. Installing computer driver from a USB Drive is one of the best options for those who own a computer without a CD or DVD drive.
How to Install Software Drivers?
If the software driver for a component or accessory is available through the operating system, this is the best and most convenient way to install it. Updates to the software driver will be included with any operating system updates automatically.
Manufacturers websites usually have very good information about software drivers for any specific type or hardware, component or accessory. Often the easiest and simplest way to see if there is any update available is to use a web search. Just type in “software driver for brand model product” and the search engine will most likely return a link to the manufacturer’s website with help and advice on the current version of any software driver for your operating system
Note –
Unfortunately, like any computer software, drivers can also be infected with viruses and other malware. We recommend having an antivirus installed and running on a computer before you download and install a driver from a third party.