What is the purpose of a device driver?

The primary function of a device driver is to establish communication between the computer and a peripheral device. Device drivers are specialized software components that allow the operating system and applications to interact with hardware devices, such as printers, graphics cards, and USB devices. Each peripheral usually requires a specific driver that translates the general commands from the operating system into device-specific instructions, enabling the hardware to perform its functions correctly.

This communication is crucial because it allows the operating system to send commands and receive data from the hardware, ensuring everything operates smoothly and efficiently. Without the correct drivers, the system would not be able to recognize or interact with the connected peripherals properly, leading to malfunctions or unavailability of the devices.

The other options relate to functions that are not the primary purpose of a device driver. Storing data permanently is typically the role of storage devices rather than drivers. Enhancing software performance and increasing the speed of data transmission may occur as a result of proper driver functionality, but they do not represent the main purpose of a device driver itself.