IT's Story for Computer Beginners

What is a driver? To explain it, let’s think about installing a printer. If you connect the printer to the computer using a cable, the printer does not work immediately. The reason for this is that there is no software installed to allow the computer and the printer to communicate with each other. To send a command to the printer (e.g., “print 100 pages”), a small piece of software known as a “driver” must be installed in the operating system.

This is the reason why a driver is provided when you bought a printer. The driver drives the printer in the same way a person drives a car, which is why it is known as a “driver.” To use a device such as a keyboard, mouse, or monitor, the driver for the device must be installed in the operating system. However, these days, operating systems include well-known drivers, so you don’t need to install them. If you plug the relevant device into your computer, the operating system will recognize and install the required driver automatically.

This system is known as “plug and play.” Just like a cassette player, it allows you to use the device as soon as you hook it up to your computer. Thanks to these user-friendly operating systems, even non-professionals can use computers without difficulties.