A software driver is a piece of code that allows an operating system to communicate with hardware devices. The operating system utilizes this code to communicate with a specific piece of hardware and perform functions for the user that are specific to the device in question.
There are a variety of types of hardware can be connected to computers and each requires its own unique software driver to function correctly. This hardware may include external components like mice and keyboards in addition to internal components such as a CPU and data ports.
The vast majority of drivers for software come directly from the manufacturer who designed and constructed the hardware in question. They typically provide software programs that will scan the internet for updates to their driver software. The program will either inform the user that an update is available or allow them to manually download and then install the latest version compatible with their device.
It is vital to remember that the simplest and most effective method to determine if the driver for a device is to look up the website of the manufacturer. These companies are typically well-versed in their hardware and can provide plenty of tips and guidance on how to use their products. These companies will often include a small utility software along with their hardware. This software can be used to check for updates and compatibility issues and to automatically download and update any compatible new versions.