The same goes for computer hardware; without the correct driver it is just a useless piece of junk that becomes oh so annoying for the user.

Drivers are simply programs that translate messages between software and hardware; like when you send a command from Microsoft Word to a printer telling it to print – it’s a driver that makes that happen.

Without a driver to give instructions and guide the printer, the message becomes lost in techno-land, and just as a car can’t move without a driver: neither can a printer nor other hardware.

What can be even more frustrating than hardware not working is hardware that partly works. This can happen if you are using the incorrect drivers for your software and hardware; similar to a car being driven by a learner driver or old geriatric who’s half blind in one eye and partly sightless in the other.

That is why it’s important to buy hardware that’s compatible with the operating system on your computer; so the drivers inside the box, on the CD, work with your OS (operating system) – not because they will be colour coordinated and look good together.

When you get your new hardware home, the first thing you should do is locate the CD with the drivers on it and throw it in the bin – well not quite – but put it somewhere safe to be used as a last resort.

As time goes by manufacturers improve the drivers and iron out bugs; downloading the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website is usually a better option than installing drivers that may have been sitting in a box, somewhere, for quite some time.

Downloading the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website means you get the latest and the best; hopefully without any bugs; and the correct driver for your OS (make sure you choose the correct OS).

Most websites will have a link to the driver page from the home page, otherwise choose support.

It might take longer to download the latest drivers – but anything that makes being a computer user less frustrating is worth it.

The whole driver debacle is why upgrading to Microsoft Vista isn’t recommended if you have older printers and peripherals – Vista is finicky about drivers.

And if you do decide that the prepossessing enhancements of Vista are something you need then: make sure you download the correct drivers for your printer and peripherals.

Sorry, but nine times out of ten it is the actions of the user and not the hardware that’s the problem!