What is a driver, an explanation for novice users

Almost every user who starts to master a computer, encounters new terms, the essence of which is not always clear to him. So, very often you can hear the following question: "What is a driver?".

In fact, this is a special program that provides the operation of a variety of devices in a specific operating system. When you purchase an additional device to the computer, it does not matter whether it's basic or additional, you need to be prepared for the fact that it will work only after the drivers are installed. Periodically, they are updated, as manufacturers are constantly working on improving the operation of the device.

What is a driver can be explained by the example of buying a keyboard, which, in addition to the basic ones, also has other functions. With it in the kit will necessarily go the drive, if not install which, the device will work just like the standard one. In this case, to the simplest devices (to them include a mouse, headphones, etc.), drivers are not needed, since they are initially in the operating system. For specific things (printers, modems, scanners, etc.), you will need additional utilities, which are usually provided by the manufacturer and are either bundled with a gadget or downloaded from the company's web page.

Of course, speaking about what a driver is, it's not entirely true to call it a full-fledged program. Rather, it is the interpreter of the commands that the operating system gives, to those that the device receives directly. Increasing the stability and performance of the device is facilitated by periodic updates of these programs. Drivers for laptops are required if other gadgets are connected to them, for example, a printer or a modem.

Install and download the program is fairly simple, because most of them are packed into installers, so the installation wizard will almost do everything himself. Before installing the driver, you need to make sure that it is compatible not only with the operating system, but also with other devices connected to the computer. Sometimes connecting one gadget can cause something that will cause problems in the work of others. It is better if the utilities are presented directly by the manufacturer. So, the drivers for Radeon can be found on the corresponding web pages. Periodically, there are also updates.

Thus, it is quite easy to understand what a driver is. This software, which is a kind of translator for the operating system. Standard versions have common formats that are supported almost everywhere. Information on the program can be obtained by pointing the mouse in such a way that a prompt window appears. It is possible to learn the format of the driver.

In most cases , even a novice user can install the program . After all, this requires only inserting a disk, and then - follow the prompts of the system. Find new updates on the manufacturer's website. Downloaded from unchecked resources, drivers can not only be useless, but also harm the computer.