You just bought a new scanner for your computer. You take it out of the packaging and set it up. You plug it in your computer. Hold on, it doesn't work. Why? The answer is: All hardware devices that are attached to your computer need drivers to help them run.
What are Drivers?
Drivers are programs that allow your computer's hardware and software to understand each other. It translates that data that goes between both hardware and software in a way that each understands what the other wants it to do. It gives them a common relay station where they send and receive data. The driver for that new scanner is probably on a CD that came with the device that you need to install in order to use it with your computer. It doesn't end there either. Drivers, like all software, need to be updated now and again or else it can cause problems.
Common Causes for Driver Errors
One of the most common causes for driver errors is outdated drivers. These old drivers have inherent bugs and glitches that cause problems. Some drivers also do not have the configuration to communicate with newer devices. Updating your drivers solve these problems.
Another cause for driver error is the driver you installed is not compatible with the operating system you are using. Drivers are designed to translate between a specific device and a specific operating system. If you don't have the right driver for you system your device won't work.
A newly installed driver can cause errors. This happens when the driver you installed has glitches or is poorly programmed. The best way is to avoid this is to only install drivers provided by device manufacturers.
Another common cause for problems is incompatibility with hardware. Installing drivers for devices other than your particular device can cause hardware to malfunction.
These problems can be avoided by manually updating drivers or using driver update software. This will save you time by working out all those problems for you. Driver update software is the intelligent solution. In order for you to choose the right one for your computer, read different driver update software reviews.