What is a printer driver and do I need a new one? Document Number: 10031 The printer driver is a program or set of programs that run on your computer and work as sort of a translator and traffic-cop between your opperating system and your printer. Often people purchase a printer and do not realize that a driver needs to be installed. Windows will try to recognize what type of printer you have connected and choose one of its own drivers or ask you to insert a disk that came with the printer. Once a proper driver is installed your printer will work. But it is important to keep your printer drivers up to date. As time goes on, the printer companies almost always improve the drivers to correct bugs, add new features, make your printer compatible with new software, and sometimes even make your printer work faster. Usually the first thing to try when you have a problem printing from a specific program is to make sure your driver is up to date. You do this by checking with your printer maufacturer. Most companies have an easy to find driver area on thier Web site and offer assistance in the upgrade process, it is usually a matter of a few clicks of the mouse to get up-to-date. BRISnet offers a printer driver links page to help you find your printer maker's site. Recommended Link:  Printer Driver Links Survey Please assist us in improving how we help you! Was this document easy enough to understand? Yes, it was easy. Not too difficult. No, it was too difficult. Did this document help you? Yes. It helped a little. No, not at all. Help Home    Racing Reports & Data    Pedigree Services    Software    Are You New?    Your BRISnet Account    Specials & Contests    BRISnet Accessibility    Feedback    General Information Choose a Help Topic Above, or  Search For Help:    [ Sign-up ] [ Products & Prices ] [ Bookstore ] [ Track Info ] [ Library ] [ Tech Support ] [ F.A.Q. ] [ Member Services ] [ Contact Us ]