A printer driver is a term that is used in order to describe a certain piece of software that informs your computer how to use the printer in question. It allows you to change your settings, including print quality or paper size. These drivers are plenty easy to download and install and will ensure that one need not diminish the quality of their printing any longer.

Why one should always update printer drivers
It is important to always make sure the most recent printer driver is installed in the computer. This is perhaps one of the easiest variations of printer maintenance that one can perform to make sure the printer is always working at its best. Updating drivers is necessary to eliminate the majority of any problems that may arise from the printer, in addition to allowing a user to take full advantage of its recently added features, if any.

How often and when one should update printer drivers
A few situations may rise where it would likely be beneficial to update HP printer drivers. Consider doing so in the event any of the following instances occur:

• A new computer is purchased;
• A new printer is purchased;
• Relevant computer software is updated;
• The computer operating system is updated;
• Documents are printed incompletely;
• Documents are printed with missing characters; or
• Printing takes unusually long.

Utilize available calendar applications, such as either Microsoft Outlook or Windows Calendar in order to set up a schedule on a quarterly basis that reminds a user to check for updates for their HP printer. Alternatively, one may subscribe to regular driver alerts, in addition to updates to software, by way of HP's Subscriber Choice program.

How to install a new HP printer driver on the computer
It is important to know at all times the latest printer driver is installed on the computer. Driver updates for HP products from free of charge from the main web page. In order to download and install the most recent available driver:

· Go to HP's Support page.

· Select the option to download drivers.

· Enter the product number of the computer. If this is not known, visit the official page describing how to locate it.

· After entering the number, click the ">>" button.

· Select the operating system of the computer. These will typically be Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista or Microsoft Windows 7, 32-bit and 64-bit.

· Select the basic driver from the list of options that comes up. This will typically be the first option listed. Alternatively, a driver that comes bundled with various bits of potentially useful software can be downloaded as well.

· Click "Download Only" and Save File when the dialog box comes up.

· Double click the downloaded file upon completion and install any instructions that come up on screen.

· Upon completion of this, restart the computer.

When the computer completes rebooting, the installation of the driver will be completed. In the event something goes amiss or any other sorts of problems arise in the attempt of an installation, feel free to visit Hp Support page in order to receive personal help.

For those who own printers unrelated to HP
No matter what the printer brand is, the manufacturer will likely have the most recent version of their driver software available on their official web page, including instructions. Direct calling and CD based drivers to be sent in the mail may even be available.

Where to find additional help
Additional help may be obtained, including, but not limited to, support, troubleshooting, driver downloads, software downloads, timely email assistance and live, real time support by way of chat for the assistance of HP printers, Hp Total Care page may be of assistance.