A device driver allows an operating system to communicate with and control hardware. Different devices require different drivers, which can be installed with the hardware or downloaded. The BIOS handles basic hardware functions, but an OS needs drivers for full functionality. Default drivers enable basic functions, but advanced features require specific drivers.
A device driver is a computer file that allows the operating system (OS) on a computer to properly communicate with and control the hardware connected to that computer. Different devices often require different drivers to function properly, although an operating system typically has default drivers installed for a number of devices to allow for minimal functionality with those devices. In order for the full functionality of many devices to be utilized by the operating system on a computer, however, the correct drivers usually need to be installed. A device driver for a device is usually provided with the hardware for installation by the device manufacturer, although they can usually be downloaded and installed.
While there are many different specific types of drivers, a device driver in general is a file that allows the operating system on a computer to properly communicate with a corresponding device. These drivers are required for all types of devices on a computer, including the motherboard, Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, Ethernet ports, printers, network adapters, and video cards. Of course, if these devices are relatively simple, the default drivers that come with an operating system may be sufficient for the system to function properly. Often, however, a device driver must be installed with a new device or piece of hardware to ensure proper compatibility.
When a computer starts up, the computer’s hardware functions are handled by the basic input/output system (BIOS) on the computer’s motherboard. This system is capable of communicating with some basic hardware components, typically a monitor, keyboard, and disk drive, without the need for a device driver for those devices. While this functionality may be limited, it is usually sufficient to boot a computer and install an operating system. Once this is done, the BIOS is then used for the initial boot, then the functions are transferred to the operating system for further operations.
Some types of older operating systems used the BIOS while the operating system was running to communicate with the hardware. As newer systems have replaced this older method of direct control of devices by the operating system, new means were needed for the operating system to use the devices. The operating system on a computer uses a device driver to achieve this function for each device. The default device driver installed with an operating system on a computer usually enables the basic functions of some device, such as displaying images from a video card on a monitor. More advanced features, such as proper rendering of advanced computer graphics from a video card, typically require specific drivers that may be installed with the hardware.
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