Why Do We Need Printer Drivers?

Why Do We Need Printer Drivers?

A printer driver or print processor is a software package that helps to convert print material to a language that a printer can understand. The driver allows interactions between your computer and the printing devices. It does this by receiving standard commands from the computer or operating system and translating them into an easy to understand that the printer can follow. This way, your printer can respond to your requests appropriately.

Many people ask whether a printer can run without the driver, and the simple answer, as we have come to observe, is, No. Without connecting a driver, your printer will not connect to any device, PC, or laptop. Besides, a printer driver allows your printer to perform optimally without any problems or errors.

At Palindrome Consulting, we understand that managing an extra device or software is a lot of work, so we are here to help. We start by giving details about the printer driver, explaining why the printer device is necessary for your business, and guiding you through printer device installation.

Where Do I Get Printer Drivers?

Printer drivers are developed and distributed by printer manufacturers in the form of CD, DVD, or downloadable from the manufacturer’s site. Most drivers are compatible with mainstream Operating Systems, like Apple iOS, Windows, and Android. However, it is crucial to confirm the compatibility of your printer and operating system before completing a purchase.

It is also common to find printer drivers of major manufacturers pre-installed on your current OS, making the installation easy for you. Unfortunately, this is hard for small manufacturers or those developing unique hardware because they need uniquely written drivers.

Why Do I Need Printer Drivers?

Printer drivers perform various tasks that make them increasingly necessary for the smooth running of operations around your business. Here are the top reasons why you need printer drivers.

Describe The Capabilities Of A Printer To The OS

A driver is the direct communication tool between your computer and external hardware devices. Without it, your computer has no idea of how to use the devices. In this case, a printer driver provides your OS with basic information on what a printer is, what it is capable and incapable of doing, and how to communicate with the device effectively.

Additionally, it discloses the uses, specific features, and functions of a printer to the computer, enabling the OS to use and control the device. Otherwise, you’d not be able to print anything from your computer using your new printer. Consequently, it gives you a chance to use the device optimally and enjoy the best outcomes.

Communicates Print Settings 

The operating system does not possess the power to communicate to every device individually. If it did, it would be too big and would need too many updates to accommodate every new hardware released into the market. Thus, the driver allows the OS to transmit information from other applications, such as word processing or spreadsheet applications, to the printer.

Such information includes document specifications, such as the paper size, color, or margins. The OS communicates these to the driver as standard commands, which the driver translates to the printer. It also lets the printer know how to print on different mediums, such as standard papers, glossy paper, and self-adhesive labels.

Decipher Information on Documents 

It is part of the printer driver’s job description to convert a document so that the printer can comprehend and produce a print or hard copy of a document. This involves converting the document into a Page Description language that describes the information on a page and how it is arranged. With this information, your printer knows what to print and exactly how to do it. It also ensures your document is aligned correctly and the print quality is top-notch.

How To Install Printer Drivers

Installing printer drivers is a straightforward task, especially if your device came with a disk containing the drivers and corresponding updates. Therefore, you should insert the disk into your computer and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation. Don’t throw away just yet, you may need it incase something necessitates a reinstallation.

Otherwise, you need to download the driver and its updates from the printer manufacturer’s support site. Some sites allow you to find the appropriate driver by keying in the printer’s model number or search for the latest printer drivers under “drivers” or “downloads.”

Download the latest driver; it is available as .exe file format on Windows and .dmg format on Apple iOS. Double-click or double-tap to run the file. From here, follow the instructions on the prompts to complete the installation.

Next is to install your printer in the following steps.

• Click on the Start Button
• Select Devices, then Click on Printers and Scanners
• Choose Add Printer
• On the Add Printer dialog box, choose Add a Nearby Printer and click Next
• Select the appropriate Printer Port
• Add the driver
• Type in a name for your printer
• Select Finish
• Test Print

Once done, do not forget to look for updates regularly and install them. Updates contain new product features and have bugs, coding errors, and security issues resolved; hence they can help to boost your device’s performance. Updating your printer drivers regularly will also reduce malfunctioning and add stability improvements. If you fail to update these drivers as needed, your printer produces incorrect documents or completely fails to print.

Palindrome Consulting Delivers The Best IT Hardware and Software Solutions

Installing printer drivers is a concept that looks simpler on paper. Unfortunately, you may face multiple problems during installation that make your printer work substandardly. Not to forget that the updates need to be regular and must be done whenever you install a new operating system.

Palindrome Consulting specializes in IT Services for businesses throughout South Florida. We offer advice and technical support that meets your unique needs and addresses your most pressing concerns. We guarantee you a real return on your tech investment while ensuring you remain a leader in your industry. Reach out to us today for more information on printer drivers and help complete a successful installation or update.