noun
driver
Software that allows a computer to communicate with a device.
The printer works only when the correct driver is installed.
Etymology
A driver is something that makes another thing operate. In computing, the agent noun was applied to software that controls communication with a device.
More examples
- Updating the graphics driver fixed the flickering screen.
- You can download the scanner's driver from the manufacturer's website.
- The operating system installs drivers for most keyboards automatically.
Forms
driver · drivers
Similar words
- device driver
- Explicitly names the software sense rather than other meanings.