Gourt > Computers > Software > Operating Systems > Microsoft Windows > Device Drivers
A device driver, or a software driver is a specific type of computer software, typically developed to allow interaction with hardware devices. Typically this constitutes an interface for communicating with the device, through the specific computer bus or communications subsystem that the hardware is connected to, providing commands to and/or receiving data from the device, and on the other end, the requisite interfaces to the operating system and software applications. Often called a driver for short, it is a specialized hardware dependent computer program which is also operating system specific that enables another program, typically an operating system or applications software package or computer program running under the operating system kernel, to interact transparently with a hardware device, and usually provides the requisite interrupt handling necessary for any necessary asynchronous time-dependent hardware interfacing needs.
Device driver philosophy
The key design goal of device drivers is abstraction. Every model of hardware (even within the same class of device) is different. Newer models also are released by manufacturers that provide more reliable or better performance and these newer models are often controlled differently.
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, OSes essentially dictate how every type of device should be controlled. The function of the device driver is then to translate these OS mandated function calls into device specific calls. In theory a new device, which is controlled in a new manner, should function correctly if a suitable driver is available. This new driver will ensure that the device appears to operate as usual from the operating systems' point of view.
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Consulting GmbH - Develops device driver for Windows 95/98/NT/2000/CE. Free demo version downloads.
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ATI Driver Downloads - Drivers for ATI Graphics Boards.
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Perfect Drivers - PC device drivers. Created and maintained by bench techs for bench techs.
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Sound Blaster Drivers - Supplies drivers not available on the manufacturer's website.
SYBERA - Service company specializing in developing kernel mode device drivers for Windows OSs: 98/NT/2000/NT-Embedded/CE; kernel software, development, training.
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Totallydrivers.com - Source for drivers and computer support. Providing device drivers, web tools, technical terms, acronym definitions, and technical support.
Meta Description: [ Totally Drivers offers free support for device drivers. We offer a fast and easy website to locate and use drivers for all device types. We provide easy to navigate pages to find, download, and install drivers; drivers by company and device and a driver forum to ask for help. ]
VGATV - DOS/Windows (S)VGA to TV/Video driver utility.
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Windows Software Drivers - Various Windows drivers listed by manufacturer.
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WinDrivers.com - Acquire the latest drivers for Win9x/2000/ME/NT/Bios including printer drivers, CD-ROM drivers, modem drivers, sound drivers, mouse drivers, monitor drivers, and hardware support.
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