Chapter Summary

I/O devices can be integrated components in the computer, added adapters, or external peripherals. The installation process for all devices is basically the same, except where the manufacturer has provided specialized software to install and configure the device driver. If there is no special installation process, then installing, updating, uninstalling, or rolling back device drivers can be performed in Device Manager. Managing the devices can be done partially in Device Manager and partially in Control Panel, as follows:

• Multimedia hardware, such as digital cameras, is configured in the Scanners and Cameras utility in Control Panel.

• Modems can be configured in the Phone and Modem Options utility in Control Panel, as well as managed in the Device Manager Properties dialog box for the modem.

• IrDA devices must be installed and connected for you to view and configure the device in the Wireless Link utility in Control Panel.

• Wireless and cabled network adapters are configured in the Network Connections dialog box. You can monitor wireless network connections by double-clicking the wireless icon in the taskbar.

• Pointing devices are configured in the Mouse utility, whereas the keyboard is configured in the Keyboards utility. Both are in Control Panel.

Microsoft applies a digital signature to third-party manufacturers' drivers when those manufacturers submit drivers that pass a rigorous quality assurance testing process. Driver Signing can be configured to ignore, warn, or block unsigned drivers when a user attempts to install them. Administrators can roll back a driver to a previous version in the device's Properties dialog box Driver tab.

Windows XP Professional supports up to two processors in a PC. You can use the Update Driver process in Device Manager to select a multiprocessor HAL, if you add a second processor after having already installed Windows XP.