Installing Drivers

So far so good.  You've got the hardware assembled, and the operating system installed.  There is one last step before you can start using your computer: you have to install drivers.

Drivers are little pieces of code that tell the operating system how to work with your different hardware components.  Without drivers, your computer cannot use those components.

Windows already comes with the drivers for some devices; these devices are called "Plug and Play."  But many of your components probably came out after Windows did, so you need to install their drivers manually.

Gather together all the different CDs that your parts cames with.  When Windows starts the first time, it will begin detecting the hardware that it needs drivers for.  You will be prompted to insert the appropriate CDs.

If Windows does not prompt you to install a given peice of hardware's driver, insert that component's CD, read the "ReadMe" file that the manufacturer will have included there, and follow its instructions on how to proceed with the installation.

		Your motherboard should have come with a CD.  This CD may have several different drivers on it, such as Intel's INF update or the 4in1 drivers from VIA. Insert it into the CD drive, and install any drivers included on it.
This example is of the Service Pack for the 4in1 drivers from VIA (the maker of the motherboard’s chipset). Other possibilities are USB filters, drivers for integrated audio or video, or drivers for any extra chips the motherboard maker has put onboard. Restart whenever prompted to do so.
		Your graphics card will also have come with a driver CD. Install that driver as well- the CD will provide instructions exactly how to do so.
In fact, all of your components will have come with CDs. The above screenshot shows my sound card's driver's installation.
		Congratulations! You have just finished building your own PC!