Driver is a programming language that makes the Operating System, such as Windows, recognized your hardware. It really is like a real driver or should I say an auto pilot because the user is the main driver. It controls how your hardware behaves and performs like it should and want it.
If you installed a new hardware, for example a webcam, the system will recognized that there is a new device attached to it. The system will looked to its own driver database to check whether it can use the hardware that you put in straight away. This process is called plug and play. If the system has no driver for your new hardware it will ask you to provide it. That is why when you buy a new hardware there is always a CD enclosed in the box where your driver is contained.
There are loads of frequently questions about the driver. Here are the top 5 famous and quite important that managed to get to my list.
Why do I need to update a driver?
We need to check if there is an update for our existing driver every not and then and not only if it is causing problem.
The reasons are:
- The updated driver might solve the known problems (bugs) of your old driver.
- The update could increase the stability, performance or in some cases security of the hardware and the effect is improvement of your system.
- To make it compatible to your new operating system. If you upgrade your system to Windows Vista from Windows XP, you also need to update your drivers so that it will be compatible to your new system; otherwise it might not work or cause problems.
What shall I do if I installed a wrong driver?
- It could happen and quite easily done, but don't panic. You can always roll back to your old and working driver.
Go to device manager, find your hardware, double click and go to the driver's tab. There you can check the drivers details, update your driver, roll back to previous driver or uninstall the driver.
What if I have lost my driver CD?
- If you have lost your driver CD it could be a blessing in disguise, why? Because now you will have the opportunity to get the latest driver for your hardware.
Go to the manufacturer's website and find the support/drivers/download page. It depends how the manufacturers they call it. There you need to find your device and the model. You just need to be careful that you pick the right model and version of the driver.
On the same page where you downloaded the driver or sometimes included on the download itself is an instruction or a help file how you install the driver. If not, just finish the download, put your hardware, if it is not yet connected, let the system detect your hardware and if it is asking for the driver direct the system to your newly downloaded file (note that some of them need to be extracted first because it is in a compressed file.) and let the system install your downloaded file. If you have a wrong version, normally it will prompt you and not continue the installation and then you may repeat the whole process again.
How can I find the right driver for my hardware?
- I am not going to say that it's dead easy because sometimes it is not. This is where the internet is very useful. You need to find out who is the manufacturer of your device and the model. For example you looking for a driver for your video card. You need to know the Manufacturers name (e.g. ATI, Nvidia, etc) and then the model of the card (e. g.ATI 9550, Nvidia FX 5500), then go to their website and download the driver compatible to your operating system (Windows 9x, XP, Vista, etc.)
Why do I need to use the manufacturer's driver even if the windows recognized the hardware?
- The reason is to maximize the full potential of your device and to have more control. If you installed a new soundcard and Windows provided its generic drivers it may or may not work. If it works, your device is more likely working as a generic device.
What is on your CD Driver enclosed is the best compatible driver when the device was made. Also in most cases the manufacturers also provide additional software to test and tweak your device.
So remember, Driver is a program so that your hardware can be recognized by your computer.
