Software drivers are programs that allows an operating system to communicate with hardware devices. The operating system utilizes this code to connect with a specific piece of hardware and perform functions for the user that are relevant to the device it is.
Several different types of hardware are compatible with computers, but each one requires a specific driver to function properly. The hardware may include external peripherals like keyboards and mice, as well as internal components like a CPU and data ports.
The vast majority of drivers are directly downloaded from the manufacturer who designed and manufactured the hardware. They typically provide software applications that search the web for any updates to their driver software. The program will inform the user when an update is available or let the user manually download and install the latest compatible version.
The most important thing to remember is that for the majority of computers, the best and most efficient method of finding out whether a device driver requires updating is to visit the website of the manufacturer. These companies are typically aware of how their own hardware works and will typically provide lots of assistance and advice on the use of their products. They may also include a small utility software alongside their hardware that can be used to quickly check for any updates or compatibility issues. It will then automatically download and install any compatible new versions.