Ethernet controller drivers facilitate communication between a computer’s network system and operating system. Most modern operating systems have default drivers, but specific drivers can be found on the computer assembler or network card manufacturer’s website. Hardware drivers unlock features and improve efficiency. Generic drivers work on a wide range of cards, and card-specific drivers can be found on a CD or online from the assembler or manufacturer.
Ethernet controller drivers sit between a computer’s network system and the operating system, facilitating communication between the two parts of the computer. Overall, while there are specific Ethernet controller drivers for your network card, they are often of lower priority than other systems. Most modern operating systems contain default drivers that provide full network access without any additional software. If you need specific Ethernet controller drivers, you can find them on the computer assembler website or the network card manufacturer.
Drivers allow software and hardware to interact more efficiently and help provide a feature-rich environment. Many drivers contain codes that speed up information transfer and power consumption. These features allow the computer to run faster as it interacts with the hardware and reduce the power consumed by the device.
Hardware drivers will also unlock features on a piece of hardware that the software system doesn’t know how to use. More complex hardware is more likely to have these inaccessible features. For example, every personal computer has a video system; allows the computer to display information on a monitor. The operating system knows how to use the video card well enough to display information, but little else. By installing the driver that accompanies the specific card, the computer will learn to use additional features.
That said, network controller cards are usually very simple. Most operating systems do not require additional Ethernet controller drivers beyond those provided with the system. These are called generic drivers; they work on a wide range of card types and styles, often without any user interaction. As a general rule, these drivers rarely need an update or change. Often, the only time drivers are taken into consideration is when a computer is acting up and the network system appears to be at fault.
There are three common locations to find card-specific Ethernet controller drivers. The card may have come with a compact disc that contained a set of drivers. These drivers are probably several versions out of date and should only be used as a means of finding updated drivers online. Many cards no longer ship with disks; manufacturers assume that users will use generic drivers to get online without installation.
The other two places are both online. If the network card was plugged into a pre-built computer from a major manufacturer, the most up-to-date drivers are likely to be found on the builder’s website. These drivers are often custom built to fit not only the board, but also the overall design of the assembler’s computer. Also, the card manufacturer will have the drivers. To find the right drivers, a user needs the make and model of the network card.
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