Device Drivers

A device driver is a precise program that controls the interaction of specific hardware with your computer’s operating system. Computer hardware includes the keyboard, mouse, disk drive, printer, and camera. Some of the drivers for hardware like the keyboard are within the operating system. However, other computer systems require a driver to connect it to your computer. You cannot use your computer without the help of drivers.

Generic Driver

A generic driver is normally within the operating system itself. You do not have to download or install new generic drivers. A generic driver allows you to use hardware with minimum capacity. This is generally sufficient to use the hardware, but may not operate some specific features of hardware products you may attach to your computer. Certain generic drivers do not support hardware from other vendors.

Specific Driver

This driver is for specific hardware and it allows you to use all the features of the hardware device, such as a camera, printer, USB drive, or any other hardware device you will attach to your computer. Sometimes specific drivers are available as a single driver for a group of hardware.

Beta Driver

Beta drivers are drivers not yet certified by Microsoft for Microsoft operating systems. These drivers do not have any support system. You can use them if you are well aware of computer hardware systems. If you develop any problems, you have no other option other than returning to the old drivers.

Where are Computer Drivers Located?

You can install computer device drivers in the operating system. Your device driver will automatically enable you to use the specific computer hardware as soon as you start your computer. Device drivers include processor, disk drivers, motherboard chipset, and printers.

Sometimes, you have to install the driver after installation of specific device. Your operating system may not have specified drivers to boot this hardware. Normally, manufacturers provide all essential computer drivers.

Drivers will not work if hardware is of a different operating system or of a different version. A new video card may not function within your operating system as driver within your operating system cannot start video card functioning. Not all the new hardware is compatible with drivers installed within the operating systems.

Keeping all drivers updated to the most current version can help you play or work on your computer without any hassle. Sometimes, you need to install computer drivers manually. Drivers are normally files with a .SYS extension in DOS systems and a .DRV extension in windows-based systems. You should look up setup.exe files to locate your drivers. If you are aware of the correct location of specific driver, you can type it at the prompt. You can even browse through folders to locate the correct driver for your hardware.

Back-up for Computer Drivers

It is best to have a backup of computer drivers on your system. You can store your back up drivers in flash memory devices. CDs are another choice, but you risk losing the drivers if you scratch the surface of the CD. Have two or three backups, so that never lose your computer drivers and have problems with your computer. You should keep storage device with driver files away from any magnetic fields, direct sunlight, fire, or water.

A computer driver is a defined program that controls working of any specific hardware in your computer. You should check which device drivers are on your computer’s operating system and ensure you have a back up to download the drivers again if your computer has a problem.