What is a printer driver?

A printer driver is a software program that allows a computer to communicate with a printer. It acts as a translator, converting the commands from the computer into a language that the printer can understand. The printer driver provides the computer with information about the printer’s capabilities, such as paper type and size, and it controls the print quality settings, such as color and resolution. Printer drivers are specific to the operating system and the make and model of the printer, and they must be installed on the computer in order for the printer to function properly. Many printers come with installation discs that include the necessary printer drivers, but they can also be downloaded from the manufacturer's website.