"Definition: Driver"

Definition: A driver is a program that allows your operating system -- Windows XP, for example, or Mac OS9 -- to "speak" to a device such as a printer or a scanner. When you tell your computer to print a word processing document, for example, the driver interprets the commands so that the printer will be able to do what you are telling it to. Drivers are frequently updated do correct problems or add new features, so it's usually a good idea to check the manufacturer's Web site occasionally for new versions.