Printer Drivers

Know your options for getting up to date printer drivers.

Just as with modems, there are often different versions of printer device drivers that affect your computer support efforts.

Microsoft-Supplied Printer Drivers

If you want the most stable printer driver, albeit sometimes not the most current, Microsoft-supplied drivers are generally your best bet.

The Microsoft Windows operating systems include hundreds of drivers for the most popular printers.

Printer Drivers That Ship With the Printer

However, nearly all printers include a CD-ROM, from the printer manufacturer, that contains printer drivers and any related utility software.

Because printer manufacturers frequently include related accessory programs and utilities to help you get the most out of the printer, you might feel shortchanged if you rely solely on the Microsoft-supplied printer drivers.

But if all you need are the limited capabilities of the printer, or if you want to run an older emulation mode on the printer, the Microsoft tested OS-bundled driver may be the better choice.

Downloadable Printer Drivers

As a third option, most printer manufacturers distribute updated printer drivers and utility programs on their Web sites.

This resource becomes particularly relevant if you purchase a discontinued printer that may have been sitting on the store shelf or in a warehouse for six months or more.

 

Printer Drivers Action Items

Does the version of Microsoft Windows on your PC have a built-in printer driver for your printer? If not, is there a next-best device driver choice included with your version of Microsoft Windows that's compatible with your printer?

Does the CD-ROM included with your printer contain utility programs that allow you to tap into advanced features of the printer (which are not accessible by just using the device driver from Microsoft Windows)?

Does your printer documentation list any emulation modes or printer drivers that your printer is compatible with? (For example, all modern Hewlett Packard LaserJet printers are generally backward compatible with the Hewlett Packard LaserJet Series II printer driver.)

Do you know how to check on your printer manufacturer's Web site to see if there are updated device drivers and utility programs available for your combination of printer and operating system?

Does your printer manufacturer have a free e-mail newsletter that you can subscribe to on their Web site to be automatically notified of new printer device drivers and utility programs?

 

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