Systems and methods that provide for automatic device driver
identification and installation. Each peripheral device to be added to a
computer network or coupled to a personal computer is configured to have
a uniform resource locator (URL) stored in its onboard firmware that
provides direction to a location on the Internet where appropriate driver
software is located and available for downloading and installation. When
the peripheral device is connected to or to be used by the personal
computer, the URL located in the firmware of the peripheral device is
accessed. The URL automatically connects a web browser on the personal
computer to an Internet site holding a driver for the peripheral device.
Header information provided by the browser communicates information such
as the type of personal computer and its operating system to the Internet
site. The Internet site downloads a driver installation package for the
peripheral device to the browser that is appropriate to the personal
computer and operating system, and that is capable of implementing a
driver installation process without a user specifying any option
selections. The personal computer automatically initiates the driver
installation process upon receipt of the driver installation package. The
user is typically notified when the driver installation process is
complete.
