What is a Device Driver? Every device, be it be a printer, modem, or keyboard, must have a driver program. Many device drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with the operating system. For other devices, you may need to load a new driver when you connect the device to your computer. Note that in the older DOS systems, drivers are files with a.SYS extension. now in Windows environments, drivers often have a.DRV extension.
What do they do? A device driver is nothing more than a glorified translator which fits between the device and programs that use the device. Each device be it a modem or printer has its own set of commands that only its driver knows. That bieng said, however most programs access devices by using generic commands. The device driver, therefore, accepts generic commands from a program and then translates them into specialized commands for the device.
Finding them: Finding a driver can be very difficult as most manufactures manufacture a device and after 2 or 3 years change and make a different version. Finding a driver for your device becomes a task as the manufactures remove the drivers from their website and refuse to support them. They hope that you will upgrade to their new line of products, but there is no need if you know where to find your drivers. Try the following website which not only has more than 2,000 drivers but finds what you are looking for, free.
Remember, don't upgrade unless you want to. There is no need to buy new, when the old printer or modem worked just fine!
Every component of your computer, whether it is a printer, modem, or keyboard, must have a driver program in or for it to work. Many drivers such as the keyboard driver, CD-ROM driver, or the drivers for your hard drive na d monitor come with the operating system be it Linux or Microsoft. Devices such as the videocard, modem or soundcard, you may need to load a new driver or drivers when you connect the device to your computer. Most times your devices come with the components such as your modem comes with a cd with its program drivers on it.
Most updates are because people have lost the initial CD rom that came with the components and need to find those drivers again. If you PC is older than 2 years the likelyhood of finding that driver becomes very difficult as the components my now be considered old and not supported any longer. You can find these drivers at many self help websites.
When to update or replace the driver?
Device drivers do go corrupt and do need to be replaced from time to time. You know you need to update when: * You have upgraded your OS say from Windows 2000 to Windows XP; * You have a device that is not recognized or working properly; * You have a new game that does not work properly; * You have a device that is missing features; * Using a device which causes another not to work properly. Tips and Tricks on drivers: - Get the correct driver: Know the exact model number (and sometimes the serial number) of any device before you upgrade; - Try never to use Beta drivers: A beta driver can be can cause your system to crashe. Stay away from beta drivers; - Follow all the directions: Read all the documentation you can find and follow the recommendations; - Never interrupt installation: Always let the installation complete, if you are having second thoughts, uninstall it. Stopping in mid-installation may change or damage key system files;
Remember never upgrade your driver unless you have to. If you have second thoughts or are not certain, look around the internet to check.
Both Amh & Andrew Harries are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Amh has sinced written about articles on various topics from computers and the internet. More help at .. Amh's top article generates over 590 views. to your Favourites.
Andrew Harries has sinced written about articles on various topics from computers and the internet. More help at .. Andrew Harries's top article generates over 590 views. to your Favourites.