driver

Driver is a term with several related meanings. It most commonly refers to a person who operates a vehicle, including professional drivers such as truck drivers, bus drivers, taxi drivers, and chauffeurs, as well as private individuals who drive their own vehicles. The term is also used in computing to describe software that enables a computer to communicate with hardware devices.

Human drivers

People who drive typically hold a valid license and may undergo training appropriate to the vehicle class. Professional drivers are often subject to regulatory requirements concerning safety, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and insurance. Working conditions, responsibilities, and compensation vary by region and by the kind of vehicle and service provided.

Device drivers in computing

In computing, a device driver is a software component that translates general operating-system commands into device-specific operations. Drivers enable software to read from and write to hardware such as printers, graphics cards, storage devices, and network adapters. They may be supplied by hardware manufacturers or included with the operating system. Drivers can operate in kernel mode or user space, depending on the system architecture. Updates introduce support for new devices, fix bugs, and improve security and performance. Proper driver installation and updates are important for system stability; in some environments, drivers are digitally signed to verify authenticity and integrity.

Other uses

The term driver can also denote a driving force or main influence behind an activity or process. In everyday language, context usually clarifies whether the reference is to a person who operates a vehicle or to software that interfaces with hardware.