Why are device drivers made separate from operating systems (OS)?

Why are device drivers made separate from operating systems (OS)?

• A. To allow addition of new hardware without requiring OS modification
• B. The OS is not capable of performing device driver duties
• C. To alleviate the workload of the OS
• D. To increase system speed performance

Answer: (A)

Device drivers are designed to be separate from the operating system to facilitate the integration of new hardware without necessitating any modifications to the OS itself. This modular approach allows users to install and configure new devices—such as printers, scanners, or graphics cards—while maintaining the stability and functionality of the existing operating system. When a device driver is developed independently, it provides a standard interface for the OS to communicate with the hardware. As a result, the OS remains agnostic to the specifics of each piece of hardware, making it easier for manufacturers to create new devices that can seamlessly function within a variety of systems. This separation also enables users to update or change drivers independently from the OS, allowing for more flexible upgrades and compatibility without disrupting the operating system's core functionalities. In summary, having device drivers as separate entities streamlines hardware integration, enhances compatibility across different systems, and reduces the need for complex modifications to the operating system.

Device drivers are designed to be separate from the operating system to facilitate the integration of new hardware without necessitating any modifications to the OS itself. This modular approach allows users to install and configure new devices—such as printers, scanners, or graphics cards—while maintaining the stability and functionality of the existing operating system.

When a device driver is developed independently, it provides a standard interface for the OS to communicate with the hardware. As a result, the OS remains agnostic to the specifics of each piece of hardware, making it easier for manufacturers to create new devices that can seamlessly function within a variety of systems. This separation also enables users to update or change drivers independently from the OS, allowing for more flexible upgrades and compatibility without disrupting the operating system's core functionalities.

In summary, having device drivers as separate entities streamlines hardware integration, enhances compatibility across different systems, and reduces the need for complex modifications to the operating system.