Smart Computing’s Dictionary definition of device driver:
A device driver is a program that allows a hardware peripheral, known as a device, to communicate with a computer. Device drivers typically come with the device, and updated drivers can be obtained through the manufacturer’s Web site.
Smart Computing’s Encyclopedia definition of device driver:
When referring to a computer, a device is a hardware unit that extends or assists the existence of the computer in some way. Except for the motherboard, the processor, and the memory (also known as RAM), everything that connects to the computer in some way is considered a device. Keyboards, printers, scanners, monitors, serial ports, disk drives, and microphones are all examples of devices. The word “peripheral” is often used as a synonym for device. Unfortunately, most of the devices connected to your system don’t speak the same language as the computer. Device drivers, or simply drivers, are programs that act as translators between the device (a printer, for example) and the application using that device (such as Microsoft Word). Drivers can translate information from a device, such as a microphone, or they can translate information to a device, as in the case of a printer. Essential devices, such as the keyboard, that are necessary to simply operate the computer are loaded during the boot process or in the system’s BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). OSes (operating systems), such as Windows, are published with many device drivers already in the software. If all devices are connected, Windows should recognize them and install the appropriate driver. When Windows can’t recognize a device, it will ask the user to find the driver. Today, most devices sold come with drivers on CD-ROM. If you don’t have a CD-ROM, you can find drivers on the manufacturer’s Web site usually in the downloads section of the support area. Often these downloads and CD-ROMs have executables that will automatically install the drivers. If not, run the Add New Hardware utility in the Control Panel. At one point, the wizard will ask you to point to the drive and directory where the drivers can be found. The driver will have the extension .DRV or .VXD. The answer to many computer problems frequently is corrupted or outdated drivers. If your monitor doesn’t display properly or your printer spits out multiple pages with garbage characters, chances are you need to update the driver.
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