Device Drivers

Device Drivers are programs that allow computer hardware to interact with the operating system. A computer's BIOS contains these instructions for basic hardware but additional devices require that drivers specifically written for them and for the operating system be installed on the computer. Without these drivers, the device would fail to function. Your computer will need drivers not only for internally installed devices such as a NIC or Modem but for external devices such as printers. See the terms BIOS, Modem and Network Interface Card (NIC) in this glossary for more information.