What is the purpose of a device driver?

The purpose of a device driver is to allow the operating system to communicate with hardware devices. Device drivers act as an intermediary between the operating system and the hardware components of a computer, such as printers, graphics cards, or storage devices. Each piece of hardware requires a specific driver that translates the operating system's general commands into a form that the hardware can understand. This enables the operating system to send and receive data to and from the hardware effectively, ensuring that all components work together seamlessly.

A driver enables the hardware to perform its functions by providing the necessary instructions and protocols. Without the correct driver, hardware devices may not work properly or at all, leading to system instability or lack of functionality.

Other options focus on tasks not related to device drivers. For instance, speeding up network connections can be influenced by various factors and optimizations but is not the direct role of a driver. Similarly, providing a backup for system files pertains to data safety and disaster recovery, while data encryption deals with securing information—none of which directly relate to the core function of a device driver.