D R I V E R D E S O R A R T I V Dry + Beer Computer drivers are an important component, without which we would not be able to do much with our computers. Defining Computer Drivers Computer drivers are pieces of software that are there for the sole purpose of facilitating communication between a computer's hardware and its Operation System. Without them, the computer would not be able to communicate with the hardware components that are listed in the Device Manager; including Batteries, disk drivers, network adapters, processors and many more. A driver, or device driver, is a set of files that tells a piece of hardware how to function by communicating with a computer's operating system. All pieces of hardware require a driver, from your internal computer components, such as your graphics card, to your external peripherals, like a printer.
The driver files are designed to work seamlessly with the
specific operating system you have on your PC, so the operating system typically keeps them updated and running through automatic updates. Updates are additional downloaded files that can install on their own to keep everything functioning correctly. Driver updates can provide everything from new security patches, designed to keep hackers from corrupting your files, to upgrades to the technology of your device. Often, device manufacturers will identify glitches or errors, known as "bugs," then create a driver update that will correct them.
New advances are made all the time, and new errors and threats are continually identified, so driver updates help manufacturers to continue offering service to customers who buy their products. You don't usually have to purchase new components if your device is supported by driver updates Failure to update drivers can lead to big problems. In addition to missing out on new features or performance upgrades, your device may be susceptible to hacks or viruses or it could stop working altogether. If it’s a critical component of your computer, such as the video card or motherboard, it may leave your PC inoperable. The symptoms of a glitchy driver in need of an update will vary by the affected driver. A display driver, for example, may show symptoms of lag, be pixelated or blinking, or have blurry graphics. Motherboard drivers, on the other hand, could show the need for an update by failing to start up properly, crashing without warning, or causing the computer to be sluggish when doing even the most basic tasks.
Anytime you have an unforeseen issue that doesn't resolve by
a restart of the computer, you may need to look at a driver update for resolution. While it won't fix all problems, it's among the most straightforward DIY fixes computer owners can perform. Most Windows drivers update automatically each time you get a Windows update. This is why it’s essential to allow automatic updates on your PC, even if you’re working. If you absolutely don’t want an update to interrupt your work, go ahead and snooze it for a few hours, but don’t keep putting it off. The sooner an update is allowed to download and install, the better your Windows- supported drivers will perform. Occasionally, a full operating system update won’t take care of a driver issue. This is common when an individual driver update is released between major Windows 10 updates, but you don’t have to wait for an operating system update to take matters into your own hands. A manual driver update can fix issues in many instances. Here’s how to manually update a driver:
STEP 1: STEP 2: STEP 3:
Locate the search box in the Click “Device Manager”. It should Click the arrow next to the type lower corner of the Windows be the first (or only) result. of device. This expands a list of taskbar and type “Device connected devices of that type. Manager” Here’s how to manually update a driver:
STEP 4: STEP 5: Right-click the device you want Click “Update Driver Software”. to update. A menu will expand. Here’s how to manually update a driver:
• If you already have the latest
version, you’ll see a message that says, “The best driver software for your device is already installed.” You can click Close to exit that window. • If you downloaded an STEP 6: updated driver to your Click “Search automatically for updated driver software”. computer, click Browse my Windows will now search online for updated versions of computer for driver software, the driver. If a newer version is found, it will be then double-click the driver to downloaded and installed. install it. Check your computer drivers any time you run into issues such as slow performance, lag, or system shutdowns. First, see that your entire operating system has gone through any available automatic updates. Then, work through each suspected driver, one at a time, until you’re sure everything is updated. Once you know how to update drivers, you’ll be able to resolve many of the most common computer issues on your own, without the help of tech support. Top Free Driver Updater Tools:
Driver Talent
Free Driver Scout
Why is it important to check and update computer drivers? Importance of Checking/Updating Computer Drivers
Just like any part of your computer
system, the drivers will age and become _________. obsolete Unless, you have an automatic checker, you run the risk of facing continuous operational ___________ problems since there will be limited recognition of the commands that are supposed to run from the operating system back to the device. As a matter of principle, the outdated drivers tend to negatively affect ____________. performance You will never get your sound card, video recorder or music player to perform well if it does not have an accompanying driver. updates do not work well Occasionally, driver ________ with particular operating systems. In those cases, an older driver may resolve the issue. In many cases, older drivers are available online on the device manufacturer’s website. Values Integration:
Drivers are like our knowledge, skills, values and
character. Just like a computer driver, we need to constantly update our knowledge and skills so that adapt to this ever-changing world. we can ______ It is vital for us to always update our knowledge and skills so that we can _________ compete with others and not be considered obsolete just like our computers and mobile devices. Just like computer drivers we need to install the correct and compatible drivers in order for that certain device to function properly. So is with our right values and character, we need to have the ______ values and character so that we will become a good person, a good citizen and a good creation of God. I. Write T if the statement is TRUE and F if the statement is FALSE. Write your answer on the space provided before each item. T _____ 1. Outdated drivers tend to negatively affect performance. F _____ 2. Just like any part of your computer system, the drivers will not age and not become obsolete. T _____ 3. Computer drivers are an important component, without which we would not be able to do much with our computers. F _____ 4. Without computer drivers, the computer can still communicate with the hardware components that are listed in the Device Manager. T _____ 5. Computer drivers are pieces of software that are there for the sole purpose of facilitating communication between a computer's hardware and its Operation System.
II. Give at least 5 Top Free Driver Updater Tools (6 - 10)
