If Only Part Of The Display Is Readable; Drivers; What Is A Driver; Identifying Drivers - Dell Inspiron 1000 Owner's Manual

If only part of the display is readable

C O N N E C T A N E X T E R N A L M O N I T O R
1
Shut down your computer and connect an external monitor to the computer.
2
Turn on the computer and the monitor and adjust the monitor brightness and contrast controls.
If the external monitor works, the computer display or video controller may be defective. Contact Dell
(see page 92).

Drivers

What Is a Driver?

A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require
a driver program.
A driver acts like a translator between the device and any other programs that use the device.
Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver recognizes.
Dell ships your computer to you with required drivers already installed—no further installation or
configuration is needed.
NOTE:
Any third party product used with your Dell computer may require an updated driver from the
third party manufacturer.
NOTICE:
Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft
system. You may need to install drivers if you:
• Upgrade your operating system.
• Reinstall your operating system.
• Connect or install a new device.

Identifying Drivers

If you experience a problem with any device, identify whether the driver is the source of your
problem and, if necessary, update the driver.
1 Click the Start button and click Control Panel.
2 Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance.
3 Click System.
4 In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab.
5 Click Device Manager.
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Solving Problems
—
Ensure that you are installing software appropriate for your operating system.
® ®
Windows operating