Writing Windows WDM Device Drivers (Paperback)

Two standout sections help make this title successful. First, the author describes the WDM model in detail and explains that it isn't always necessary to write your own custom device driver. (The author discusses when to consider off-the-shelf drivers or when to script standard drivers from Microsoft, instead of writing your own. If you do decide to go for a custom driver, the author's simple generic drivers will help get you started.)

The second strength of this book is its discussion of a variety of techniques for testing and debugging device drivers (traditionally, a tough nut to crack since device drivers work so close to hardware). The author provides his own debug driver (which allows you to log messages from other drivers), and provides a number of useful tips on installing, testing and debugging drivers, including logging events with Windows.

Fast paced and informative, this book provides a thorough guide to just about every aspect of today's WDM device drivers, including APIs like Plug- and-Play, ACPI for power management, and working with USB devices. Programming device drivers is still tough, but Writing Windows WDM Device Drivers delivers all that you need to design, code and test custom device drivers successfully. --Richard Dragan, Amazon.com

Topics covered: Windows Driver Model (WDM) basics, device driver components, off-the-shelf drivers, standard drivers, designing device drivers, kernel calls, I/O Request Packet (IRP) processing, WDM driver development tools and utilities, testing and debugging techniques, installation, dispatch routines, plug and play support, power management and Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI), Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), event logging, sample generic drivers, interrupt handling, NT hardware, system drivers, USB and USB Driver Interface (USBDI), and the Human Input Device (HID) model.

Synopsis
Master the new Windows Driver Model (WDM) common to Windows 98 and Windows 2000. You get theory, instruction and practice in driver development, installation and debugging. Addresses hardware and software interface issues, driver types, and a description of the new 'layer' model of WDM.