Final answer:
A device driver is crucial for initiating and managing I/O operations between the operating system and hardware devices, by translating general I/O calls to specific device operations.
Step-by-step explanation:
A device driver is responsible for starting I/O operations on a device and processing the completion of an I/O request. Device drivers serve as a critical intermediary between the operating system and the hardware devices they control. They translate general I/O function calls to device-specific operations, and their role is essential for the operating system to communicate effectively with hardware components.
It acts as an interface between the hardware device and the operating system or software application. The device driver provides the instructions and protocols necessary for the operating system to communicate with the hardware device.