DLLs and Drivers

A Quick Guide to DLLs and Drivers

Some of the terminology in computer hardware and operating systems can be a bit confusing. In particular what makes certain components talk to other programs and where things are stored?  This is a quick guide to DLLs and Drivers.
A DLL, or Dynamic Link Library, is how Microsoft stores and shares all the library resources. These are then shared between other programs. DLLs are necessary because they have things like code, data, and resources that help run the layers between the GUI and GDI interfaces. A GDI, or the Graphic Device Interface, has codes that send commands to the GUI, or Graphic User Interface.
Every time a user wants to do something such as run a program, it sends an executable file, or .EXE that is stored in the DLL between the interfaces so that the command is sent. Most early Windows systems and Operating Systems required DLLs for this translation. One of the benefits of this is that it allows for modularity. This means that an older hardware system can accept newer software because the code in the DLL can translate it.
All file formats that are the same are in same libraries and are referred to as resources. The calling between libraries is the actual “linking.” All of this is done in run time so it appears seamless to the user. For example, OCX that calls up Active X controls, are all stored in one library for quick linking.  DLLs also manage the memory usage for these translations.
A similar translation component is a driver. Otherwise known as a device driver, is a piece of software that the operating system, or OS, requires communicating with any type of hardware attached to the computer. Drivers are specifically designed for the hardware they support based on the type of OS. A driver tells the OS how to talk to the device through the main processor.
Most hardware components, such as a printer, need a specific piece of the processing ability. The driver grabs the request of the device and tells the processor where to go. It then transmits what it needs to back to the device so that it functions properly. It also allows translation of information between the two.
Drivers are typically included with the new hardware device when purchased. However, they are usually available on a vendor website as well. These include the updates of the drivers, which increase functionality or provide additional security. Downloadable drivers have made it easier to add new features to computers. For example, a wireless card in the computer may be updated with a higher level of security.
DLLs and Drivers are both critical to support the hardware that consumers add to their computer systems. With constant new technology and updates, it is important that the OS and interfaces be able to talk to any new device or features added. These enable those abilities and users to stay on abreast of advancement in technology.