Explanation:
A device driver is software that allows the operating system to communicate and control hardware components, such as printers, graphics cards, and storage devices.

Device drivers act as a translator between hardware and the operating system, converting OS instructions into commands that hardware can execute.

Operating systems include a variety of built-in drivers, but users may need to install specific drivers for new hardware devices to function correctly.

Formal Definition:
A device driver is software that enables communication between the operating system and hardware components by translating system commands into hardware-specific instructions.

Additional Information:
Drivers are typically categorized into kernel-mode and user-mode drivers. Kernel-mode drivers operate with high privileges and interact directly with hardware, while user-mode drivers run with limited privileges.

Efficient device drivers optimize hardware performance and ensure system stability. Faulty or outdated drivers can cause system crashes and performance issues.