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Windows Device Driver Programming Series
A Windows Device Driver Primer (1/10): Introduction
Yashavant Kanetkar and Asang Dani
Categories Of Device Drivers
There are two broad categories of Device Drivers. They are as follows:
- "Pre-installed" Device Drivers
- "Installed on demand" Device Drivers
Device Drivers without which the operating system cannot function are called "Pre-installed" Device Drivers. These drivers are installed along with the OS. These include drivers for keyboard, mouse, display adapter, file system, etc.
The Device Drivers which are not absolutely necessary for the basic functioning of the OS are called "Installed on demand" Device Drivers. These include drivers for Printer, Scanner, Camera, etc. These drivers are installed when the user requests their installation.
The typical scenario for "Installed on demand" Device Drivers is when the user connects a new device to the system, the OS detects that a new hardware has been plugged into the system. The OS then finds out whether the driver for this device has been installed or not. If not, then it asks the user whether he wishes to install the same. If the driver for this device is found (not installed) then the driver is installed. If not found, then the user is requested to supply a CD/Floppy which contains the driver for the new device.
