A new printer is connected to a computer.
Explain the purpose of a device driver.
Mark scheme
Award up to two marks for a linked explanation such as:
- It allows the operating system/OS to communicate with the device/printer (1) because it translates the commands into signals the device understands (1)
- It contains/sends the instructions/commands needed by a particular device (1) so the device carries out the correct actions (1)
- It controls the device/printer (1) by sending commands/signals to it (1)
- Different devices need different commands (1) so each one needs its own driver to work with the operating system (1)
For both marks, the expansion must follow/associate with the statement.
Do not accept 'it drives/controls the device' on its own without saying how, e.g. by sending commands/signals.
Do not accept hardware/a physical device (a device driver is software).
Do not accept 'it connects the printer to the computer' or 'it installs the printer' without saying that it provides the instructions/commands for the device.
Example answers and how they were marked
It allows the operating system to send commands to the printer (1) because it translates them into signals that the printer understands (1).
Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1).
It contains the instructions that the printer needs.
Why: Point (1) but no linked reason.
It is a piece of hardware that connects the printer to the computer.
Why: Misconception: a device driver is software, not hardware, and saying it connects the printer is not accepted without saying it provides the instructions/commands.