Keyboard Drivers

Keyboard drivers are files and programs that allow the operating system to recognize and/or process the input data sent by the keyboard and return commands from the computer. A keyboard is an input device that provides data to the computer and its operating system. Even though a keyboard is an input device it also receives commands from the computer (like turning on lights that mean different things). Keyboards have their own processor, memory, and circuits that carry information to and from the keys to its on-board processor. The keyboard keys are basically switches. The keyboard processor interprets the opening or closing of a switch (key) and transfers that information into digital information (hexadecimal data) that is used by the computer.

Keyboard drivers tell computer’s keyboard controller chip how to handle and/or interpret that data. One way keyboard drivers help handle the data is by setting the clock pulse of the keyboard in synch with the computer operating system. This timing is done in milliseconds and is extremely accurate and exact. It notifies the CPU via interrupt request 1 (IRQ 1 is reserved for keyboards only), so that the computer can stop doing whatever it is doing to look at the data being inputted by the keyboard. If the keyboard has special buttons, the keyboard driver will also tell the CPU or operating system what the special buttons mean when they are pressed. It may include software that allows the user to program special function keys themselves, or even change the character arrangement on the keyboard.

Most operating systems include keyboard drivers for basic keyboards including their special operating command keys. Windows drivers include information that provides for the Windows Logo Key Function, Apple keyboard drivers include information that provides for the Command (Apple) key, and Linux keyboard drivers provide for the Linux Logo (Tux the Penguin) key. Finally, keyboard drivers also provide any specific information for the type of connection for the keyboard, such as USB or PS/2.

Usually, any keyboard that is manufactured by someone other than the manufacturer of the operating system, or that has more than just basic functions, must have its own keyboard driver to function properly.

Common Problems Associated with Keyboard Drivers

1) Missing or corrupt keyboard driver files

2) Incorrect or incompatible for the keyboard connection type

3) Incompatibility for the type and version of operating system

Troubleshooting the Keyboard Driver

Generally, if a keyboard driver is missing or corrupted, the operating system will not recognize that the keyboard is attached. If the driver does not provide for various connection types, the system may also fail to recognize the keyboard. If their is incompatibility between the keyboard driver and the computer, keyboard, or operating system, the keyboard will probably not be recognized or fail to function properly.

The best solution for the majority of keyboard driver problems is to re-install the original driver, or if the keyboard manufacturer (or operating system creator) has issued a revised driver, install the latest (updated) driver.