Driver setups vary by manufacturer, but generally, they come in a .zip or .exe file for Windows. You generally need to unzip this to a new folder on your computer (choose one that's easy to find, such as your desktop). Double-click on the file.

.EXE file:

If you have an .exe driver file, it most likely will ask you where you want to extract it to. Generally, you'll want to choose C:\midiman, c:\aardvark, c:\motu, or whatever the name of your audio card is. This is only for your convenience of finding it later, so you can really choose whatever you wish.

.ZIP file:

If you have a .zip file, it should open up Winzip (winzip.com if you don't have it), or if you have Windows ME or XP, it is built-in.

Winzip: It will ask you where to extract it to. Just as an .exe file above, choose a directory that's easy to find.

Windows ME/XP folder: Windows may open the file for you. In this case, create a new directory elsewhere, name it something easy to find, and highlight all the files in the downloaded folder with ctrl-A. Drag the files to the new folder and you're ready for the next step.

The next step:

If you have not installed drivers for your hardware before, you'll generally want to restart the computer and let it auto-detect the new hardware. Point it to the directory you created when it asks where to search for the drivers.

If you have already installed drivers but are updating them, follow directions within the readme.txt included in the driver folder or online directions.