Dell XPS GEN 3 manual What Is a Driver?, Identifying Drivers

Tab	Function
Configuration	Displays your hardware configuration for the selected device.
	The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all
	devices from system setup, memory, and various internal tests,
	and it displays the information in the device list in the left pane
	of the screen. The device list may not display the names of all
	the components installed on your computer or all devices
	attached to your computer.
Parameters	Allows you to customize the test by changing the test settings.

4When the tests are completed, if you are running the Dell Diagnostics from the ResourceCD, remove the CD.

5Close the test screen to return to the Main Menu screen. To exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer, close the Main Menu screen.

Drivers

What Is a Driver?

A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require a driver program.

A driver acts like a translator between the device and any other programs that use the device. Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver recognizes.

Dell ships your computer to you with required drivers already installed—no further installation or configuration is needed.

NOTICE: The Dell Dimension ResourceCD may contain drivers for operating systems that are not on your computer. Ensure that you are installing software appropriate for your operating system.

Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft® Windows® operating system. You may need to install drivers if you:

•Upgrade your operating system.

•Reinstall your operating system.

•Connect or install a new device.

Identifying Drivers

If you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver is the source of your problem and, if necessary, update the driver.

Advanced Troubleshooting

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