Generating recommendations for peripheral devices compatible with a processor and operating system of a computer

Abstract

Computer program code (program code) identifies peripheral devices connected to a computer having a log file. Program code determines whether the peripheral devices identified are functioning properly or not functioning properly. The program code collects information about the configuration of the computer. The program code sets parameters that create a profile for the computer. The program code stores the profile and the log file in a database along with profiles and log files of other computers having peripheral devices identified by the program code. The program code utilizes the profiles and log files to generate recommendations for peripheral devices that are compatible with at least one processor and operating system of the computer.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates generally to peripheral devices, and more specifically to electronically generating recommendations for peripheral devices that are compatible with a processor and operating system of a computer.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]In the computer industry various manufacturers supply peripheral devices that are compatible with multiple computers and operating systems. Compatibility of peripheral devices with multiple computers and operating systems is made possible through the use of open interface standards. Peripheral devices that adhere to open interface standards are more interchangeable and interoperable than peripheral devices that do not adhere to such standards.[0005]It is known for an operating system of a computer to define a device driver interface for a particular class of peripheral devices, which allows the operating system to access each of the peripheral devices of that class in a c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent is about a method, computer system, and program product for recommending peripheral devices that work with a processor and operating system. The system collects information about the computers and their peripherals and stores it in a database. When a server computer receives a request for recommendations, it queries the database and generates recommendations based on the information collected. This system helps users easily find compatible peripherals that work properly with their computers.

Problems solved by technology

However, oftentimes new peripheral devices are not compatible with a processor and an operating system of a computer, because a device driver that supports the peripheral device and is compatible with the processor and the operating system has not been created.

Particularly, device drivers are not created for various reasons, for example some manufacturers of the peripheral devices may not be able to keep up with newly developed processors and operating systems, or some manufacturers may determine that the cost of creating device drivers that are compatible with a particular processor and operating system outweighs the benefit, based on analysis of data generated from end-user surveys (i.e., end-user feedback) in regard to amount usage of the peripheral devices.

The responses received from the end-user may be incorrect, because the end-user may not know the information that the survey is requesting.

As a result, manufacturers may recommend a wrong device driver or even undertake development of a new device driver that is not widely needed by consumers, based on receipt of incorrect information from the end-user.

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