Software Drivers for Used Computers

If you own a used computer like a Dell, Compaq, Hewlett Packard, or IBM, software drivers are fairly easy to find.  You would just need to visit the manufacturers website and find your model in their list.  All of the drivers for the various components can be downloaded for free for most of the operating systems including in some cases Linux.  What are software drivers?

But what if you own a generic computer that was built from components bought from different places.  How do you find the drivers for those type components.  In some cases you will be out of luck.  Depending on how old that component is will also determine if those drivers are available.  We have found that some of the older modems, sound cards, and video cards tend to be hard to find after about 5 years.

The best way to find these type software drivers is to pull the component you are looking for and read the chip sets on the card.  For example, modems tend to use lucent, Intel, or PCTel chip sets.  You can easily go to a site like www.drivers.com and find drivers for those type cards.  Also if your video card was made by a major manufacturer like ATI then you will have no problem.  In most cases the drivers most difficult to find are the components that are built on the motherboard and are not separate cards.  You can also find drivers here http://www.driverguide.com/

Here is a nice page to read about how to load in your software drivers after you find them.  How to load in software drivers.  But that is definitely the easy part.