Device Driver Update

Device drivers are software layers that translate communication between your operating system and a piece of hardware. The hardware can be almost any PC component, such as printers, scanners, network interface cards, sound and graphics cards, disk controllers, etc.

The drivers are provided by the hardware makers, and typically translate operating system instructions (such as 'Read' and 'Write') into a series of more-detailed instructions that the hardware requires.  The drivers translate similarly in a reverse fashion when the hardware sends instructions back to the operating system.  This allows the driver and hardware to absorb much of the processor's workload, and allows the hardware maker to change device behavior without involving the operating system at all.

Hardware makers update their drivers occasionally to provide additional functions and to correct operating problems.  Care is required in selecting the correct driver and installation method for each piece of hardware.  This option will have your device updated to the latest drivers available from the manufacturer.  Plan on ¼ to 1 hour for this procedure.