The device driver looks very complex but it is not. To help keep you your PC functioning the basic knowledge of the device driver and how it works is very necessary.

Driver can be defined as a file that controls the different internal or external devices of a window- based PC. The driver enhances communication between the computer and the application one would want to use. External devices are video cards, scanners and printers.

The Windows operating system that comes with your PC has built in drivers. The PC automatically installs the drivers of a new device plugged in if the driver is found in the driver’s library of the PC. But if the driver is not found in the library of the PC, you will be prompted to either install the drivers of the device manually from the CD or from the internet. The creator of the device produces drivers for it; those are the drivers that are preferable.

When a time comes when the driver is not working properly, then you will need to update the driver. Its malfunctioning might be as a result of a bug found in the old driver that has been fixed in the new version of the driver.

How do I update a driver?

To update a driver in your PC, first you need to check for the details of the device. These details are usually found written on the device itself or in the manual of the device. Then check if your device comes with an accompanying CD and if the drivers in the CD are up to date. If the CD does not contain the required driver or even if the device does not come with a CD at all then there will be need to download the driver from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) website. Devices made in recent times have care and support centres or a support page in their website. Some manufacturers even have chat rooms to render their support. These help to give the needed updated drivers and step on how to update it. Sometimes, the Original Equipment Manufacturer website is still of no help to find and update the driver, well here is a list of website that will help:

1. Driver Guide
2. Win Drivers
3. Driver Zone
4. Mr. Driver

From here you can install the required driver.

In the case of an internal device, the details of the device are found using the Windows System Information Program found on your computer. To locate the windows system information, click on Start menu, then Programs, then Accessories and then System Tools.

The system information contains a list of devices. When you are sure of the device name and details, you can now repeat the steps above. Then go to the Control Panel and double click on System, go to the Device manager tab, click on the device then go to the properties and then the Drivers tab, you will see update driver, click on it and follow the steps you will be shown. When the needed drivers are found click on newly downloaded driver. Finally, restart your PC so that the new drivers can work properly.