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Device Drivers 101

No matter what type of computer you own, it is made up of hardware, software, and an operating system. Hardware includes the monitor, keyboard, mouse, processor, hard drive, memory, graphics card, sound card, and other devices.

Software includes the applications that you use such as word processors, games, and spreadsheets. The operating system is the computer's environment that powers it all. In order for the operating system to understand the individual devices that make up the computer, it needs instructions. These instructions are provided by files known as device drivers.

Why device driver updates matter

When your computer was assembled, the device drivers were installed along with the devices. Whenever you add a new device to your system, the drivers are installed at the same time either with an installation disc or through Plug and Play functionality.

You can also download drivers directly from the device manufacturer's Web site and other locations on the Internet. Why download drivers when you have a disc? There are several reasons to download drivers with the most compelling one being to receive the most current version possible.

Manufacturers update their device drivers all the time, correcting mistakes and adding new features. When you download drivers and install them, you are updating your devices with the latest enhancements. By keeping your devices current, you are proactively improving your computer. Your hardware and system performance will improve and you will avoid potential problems.

How to update your device drivers manually

Before you download drivers, you must first inventory your computer to find out exactly what devices you have installed on your system and what version driver each device currently uses. Fortunately, this information is easy to find. Windows provides you with a utility called the Device Manager. You can find Device Manager in Control Panel under System or as its own category.

Once launched, Device Manager displays a list of device types. Click the plus sign next to each category to reveal the installed devices. If you see any devices that have a yellow caution sign next to them, they are devices that are not functioning properly. Updating their drivers may solve the problem. Right-click each device and choose Properties. Go to the Driver tab to view detailed information about each device's driver. Write down the name and model number of each device along with the driver details including date and version. Now, when you go to download drivers, you'll be able to compare versions to see if an updated driver is available or not.

Where should you go to download drivers? Several places. Microsoft offers a variety of common device drivers on their Web site making it convenient when you need multiple downloads. You can also go to your computer manufacturer's Web site to see if they bundle the required drivers for each model that they manufacture. This is one of the easiest ways to download drivers because you have one central location addressing the specific devices installed on your computer. Another option is to go directly to the manufacturer of the device that you are updating and download drivers there.

The time-saving program that installs updates for you

Updating drivers is fairly easy. All you need to do is download drivers, go into Device Manager, and install them. However, with dozens of devices on a single computer, this can be a bit time consuming. In addition, you should download and update drivers regularly. Rather than doing these steps on your own, consider using a tool that automates the process such as DriverCure. This way, you'll get all of the benefits of updated drivers without the hassles of finding them.

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Download Drivers

Device Drivers 101

Why device driver updates matter

How to update your device drivers manually

The time-saving program that installs updates for you