Driver or Device driver is a special software program that allows a computer to interact with specific devices. The devices (hardware), such as measurement instruments and display devices, have specific functions and control specifications.

The device drivers are necessary to allow a computer to control such specific devices.

Since a device driver is a specialized software for device and operating system, it is hardware-dependent and operating-system-specific (OS) to install. Such peripheral devices as keyboards and mouses that are generic to interact with the computer are available with the basic drivers, as the computer's OS recognize and install them automatically.

In most cases, however, instrument drivers used for measurement devices are often language and instrument specific. Without correct drivers, the OS will not detect the devices. You have to confirm the correct driver for your computer's OS to install it.