Final answer:
Small programs that allow input/output devices to communicate with computers are called drivers, and they are crucial for hardware and operating systems to interact properly.
Step-by-step explanation:
Small programs that enable input/output devices to communicate with the computer are known as drivers. These are essential software components that allow hardware devices to interact with the operating system of a computer. For example, a printer requires the correct driver to be installed on the computer to function properly. Without it, the printer will not be able to understand the instructions from the computer or send information back to it.