Operating Systems - Drivers

Anytime you add a new hardware device to a computer you need to install the drivers for that device. In this lab you will add a new device to your computer to see how this process works.

Work as a team of two. One person will answer the questions to the lab as the other person works through the steps. Your task is to add an HP Color ink jet cp1700 printer to your computer. Answer the questions as you work through this process. If you get stuck be sure to ask for help. Before proceeding the person doing the installation will need to log out of your computer and login as comprep with a password of comp and be sure you log into This Computer and NOT the SqITLab. Your login will look something like this SQ241-XX\comprep where XX is the number of your computer.

1. Use wikipedia to describe a device driver.

2. Where should you go to add a printer to your computer?

3. Proceed with the installation but stop at each window to answer these questions. A program opens automatically when you click on the Add a printer option. What do you call this type of program that walks you through a process? What type of printer does not require this program?

4. What are your two choices as to the type of printer you are adding? Choose the first option (a local printer is one that is directly attached to your computer).

5. List some different ports you could use to connect your printer. Select the default option provided and click Next.

6. According to the instructions on this page what might have come with your printer?

This is always the case when you purchase a new printer or any other device that you will be adding to your computer. In order to make the addition of most printers quick and easy Windows has installed the most common drivers so the installation will be hassle free.

At this point you will need to find the printer using the pull down lists provided. Be sure to select the HPHP Color ink jet cp1700. Click Next.

7. Accept the default name for your printer but do NOT make it the default printer. What is meant by "default printer" and why should you NOT make this printer the default for your system?

8. Do NOT try to print a test page since there really is no HP printer attached to your computer. Click Next. When you get to the final page click finish. What happens at this point? (refer to the title of this activity)

9. How can you tell the printer has been successfully installed?

10. Print up your questions and then show the installed printer to your instructor for teacher check.