Device drivers are software that install into the operating system (OS) to allow communication with the peripheral. Because it would be impossible for the OS developer, such as Microsoft, to program for every single device ever made that connects to a computer, they rely on the manufacturer to write the driver software for each device. This is more efficient also since the software interface needed to address various devices doesn't need to be on the computer all the time, only when such a device is attached to the computer.
Drivers generally are not very flexible: it will generally work only with a specific device family on a specific operating system version. Some drivers may be more generalized (such as certain printer drivers) but they will not have the functionality to all capabilities of the device in question.
Drivers are the software that is embedded into all parts of a computer, including other software, that tells that part how to work, what to do, and how to do it. Example: A USB driver would tell the USB port to read the device that was put in the port and pull up all info on it.
A device driver is a computer program. It is required to operate and control various devices which are attached to one's computer. One can find out more about drivers and how they work at Wikipedia.
modifies application programs to work correctly with devices attached to a system
Provides a layer of abstraction between the OS and the device.
To ensure the operating system function properly
Device drivers are designed to operate a given device on a computer
The purpose of a driver on any computer (not just Dell brand computers) is to serve as a communicator between your computer's operating system and computer hardware. For example, when you install a printer (hardware) the driver helps you to inform your operating system that the printer is there so it can be used.
device driver
The way a computer communicates with a peripheral device is through a device driver. A device driver is a low level computer program that allows higher level programs to communicate with a hardware device connected to the computer bus. Device drivers are hardware dependent and specific to an operating system.
Not all devices are completely "plug and play" on all operating systems. For those devices that your computer's operating system does not automatically recognize it will be necessary to install the driver software for the device. Unfortunately driver software for some devices is not available on every operating system.
The way a computer communicates with a peripheral device is through a device driver. A device driver is a low level computer program that allows higher level programs to communicate with a hardware device connected to the computer bus. Device drivers are hardware dependent and specific to an operating system.
a cord? NO NO NO a cord is not a computer program silly. This is a DRIVER driver Computer program that acts as an intermediary between the operating system and a device such as a disk drive, video card, printer, or keyboard. The driver must contain a detailed knowledge of the device, including its set of specialized commands. The presence of a separate driver program frees the operating system from having to understand the details of every device; instead, the operating system issues general commands to the driver, which in turn translates them into specific instructions for the device, or vice versa.
A driver typically communicates with the device through the computer bus or communications subsystem to which the hardware connects. When a calling program invokes a routine in the driver, the driver issues commands to the device. Once the device sends data back to the driver, the driver may invoke routines in the original calling program. Drivers are hardware-dependent and operating-system-specific. They usually provide the interrupt handling required for any necessary asynchronous time-dependent hardware interface.
After you install a device or update a driver for a device on a computer that is running Windows Vista or Windows 7, the operating system may not start.
Device management controls peripheral devices by sending them commands in their own proprietary language. The software routine that knows how to deal with each device is called a "driver," and the OS requires drivers for the peripherals attached to the computer. When a new peripheral is added, that device's driver is installed into the operating system
a device driver is software, making communication between your motherboard and your OS, probably Windows, possible.
No, Driver Software is Software made for any Device and not for the system . Like any Computer having Realtek Sound Adapter on its MotherBoard so they will provide a setup which is a Device Driver Software . Eventually Operating System Dont have the commands and any programming to control the Device so the Device Manufacturer provides the Commands and services via device Driver Software or setup . You cant Actually see that every Device got different Softwre for Different Operating System and Device Version. Like same Realtek Device would have made the Device Driver for Windows as well as Linux or other Avalable Operating System with which it is compatible .
Driver is piece of software that knows how to communicate with specific hardware. For example when you plug your printer for the first time Windows operating system (and other too) does now know how to use this device. After installing the driver operating system will know that hardware that you plugged in is printer and how to control it. Just for better understanding: Operating System (Kernel) <----> Device Driver <----> Real Hardware