- A graphics card driver processes an instruction from an application, such the operating system or a computer game, and then relays the instruction to the graphics card. The graphics card then processes the information and sends it to the display monitor. A graphics card driver typically has a software application that is installed to make changes to various hardware settings on the card.
- A graphics card driver is typically installed using the installation CD that comes with the particular type of graphics card. A setup file is run from the CD to copy the hardware drivers as well as any software applications to the computer. A generic graphics card driver is used by the operating system until the installation CD can be used to install the new drivers.
- You can update your graphics card driver by downloading a new driver update from the manufacturer's website. Manufacturers may offer graphics driver updates to fix problems or to provide access to previously unavailable functionality of their graphics cards. You can also update the graphics card driver by regularly downloading updates to the operating system and using a newer installation CD.
- A conflict can exist with a graphics card driver if more than one driver has been installed on the computer system. A computer system is capable of having two displays attached for a dual-monitor system. You must set up a dual-monitor system to correctly use specific drivers for each display, or a conflict can occur and only one display will work. The Device Manager within Windows can be used to determine if a conflict exists with a graphics card driver.
- A graphics card device driver will determine the performance of the graphics card. An older driver will not provide the type of performance that a newer driver can offer. A newer driver may also be required for newer types of games and computer applications.
