A system and method for automatically detecting the attachment of a peripheral device to a host system, and configuring the host system for communication with the peripheral device is described. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, when a peripheral device is attached to the host system, the host detects the attachment of the device. If a device driver for controlling and communicating with the peripheral device is locally available, then the host system installs and loads the device driver. If the device driver is not locally present, then the host system establishes a connection with a server system that includes a database with the device driver needed for operation of the device. The device driver is forwarded to the host system and is then integrated into the host's system software, so that the host can communicate with and control the peripheral device. In accordance with certain aspects of the invention, advertisements or other relevant information about the peripheral device or the host system is displayed to a user, when the host system detects the attachment of the device.