The program that contains specific instructions operates and control a device attached to the computer is called device driver. A device driver or a software driver is a specific type of computer software typically developed to allow interaction with hardware devices such as a mouse or a printer. This software causes an interface for communicating with the device through the specific computer bus or communication subsystem that the hardware is connected to. The software provides commands to and receives data from the device and, on the other end, the requisite interfaces to the operating system and software applications.
Computers and their operating systems cannot be expected to know how to control every device both now and in the future. To solve this problem, operating systems basically dictate how every type of device should be controlled. The device driver then translates these operating system mandated function cells into device specific calls. In theory, a new device which is controlled in a new manner should function correctly is a suitable driver is available. This new driver will insure that the device appears to operate as usual from the operating system's point of view.
New computers will often have device drivers already loaded into the system to make it easier for the user to just open the box and use their new system. But if you should happen to buy a separate component for your system such as a joystick, you will most likely need to install a device driver. The driver will come with the system, usually on a storage device like a CD-ROM. They will give you instructions on how to install the software and it is really quite easy if you follow the directions. You cannot operate your computer system with separate components like a mouse without a device driver for that mouse. If you find that any part of your computer is not running properly, you may need to update your device drivers. Simply go to the website of the manufacturer of your hardware and they will usually have updated drivers available free for download.
Device driver can be divided further into physical and logical layers. Physical layers can communicate with certain and specific device instances. An example of this is the XON/XOFF serial port that needs to handle standard communication protocols which is managed by a serial port logical layer. On the other hand, logical layers process information such as Ethernet for a class of devices.
Programmer in Linux environments can construct device driver either as parts of the kernel or as loadable modules. Moreover, the Linux.ko modules along with the Microsoft Window.sys files contains a loadable device drivers wherein they can be loaded only when necessary, therefore saving kernel memory.
When it comes to writing a device driver, there is a need for a profound understanding and consideration on the function of hardware and software. One benefit of driver is that the operating systems of the modern user-level software can be stopped without affecting the rest of the system. There is possibility that the system can be crashed even if the drivers executing in user mode for the reason that the device is erroneously programmed wherein it makes more dangerous to assess the problems. On contrary, drivers must operate in a highly privileged environment and can be ruined if they get things wrong.
Tina L. Douglas is a skilled writer from California. With numerous experiences in the field of writing for several financial institutions, she is greatly qualified across a variety of economic issues. Her notable pieces of writing involve driver scan.
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