Windows Driver Library

The Windows 3.1 Driver Library (WDL) is a growing collection of device drivers and virtual devices from which Windows users may copy the latest updates and revisions for drivers that support their hardware.

Because electronic distribution is the most effective way to deliver the latest drivers and virtual devices to Windows customers, Microsoft distributes the WDL through the following online services:

CompuServe

GEnie

Microsoft Product Support Services (PSS)

PSS bulletin boards

User Group bulletin boards

Distribution by disk through Microsoft fulfillment is also available for any customer without a modem.

You can add your device driver or virtual device to the WDL by passing the appropriate driver-testing requirements, and sending your driver or virtual device to Microsoft for final certification. The driver testing requirements are specified in the Printer Compatibility Test and Display Compatibility Test Suites provided with the respective test suite. For more information about Compatibility Tests, see Section 2.7, “Testing a Driver,” in Chapter 2, “Producing Device Drivers and Virtual Devices.”

There are no deadlines for participation in the WDL; new drivers can be added
at any time. Microsoft releases drivers for electronic distribution immediately
after they have passed compatibility tests at Microsoft. WDL fulfillment disks
are manufactured once per quarter.