How do Computer Drivers Work?
Computer drivers often have a high level of privilege within the operating system (OS) runtime environment. Some device drivers, in reality, may be linked directly to the operating system kernel, a part of an operating system such as Windows, Linux, or macOS that remains in memory and executes all other code, including device drivers. Device drivers send requests for device access and actions from the operating system and its active programs to the hardware devices they support. They also transmit outputs or status messages from hardware devices to the operating system, and therefore to applications.
What Are Computer Drivers? Applications and Features
Computer drivers, often simply called “drivers,” are small software programs that act as interpreters between your computer and its hardware devices. They enable your computer to properly use devices like printers, video cards, keyboards, and mice by translating the computer’s commands into a language the hardware can understand. Drivers are essential for the functionality of these devices, ensuring compatibility with your computer’s operating system and enabling all the features of the hardware.