What are software pieces that are hardware specific from OEMs called?

The term that describes software pieces that are specifically tailored to hardware from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) is "drivers." Drivers serve as a translation layer between the operating system and the hardware components of a computer. They enable the operating system to communicate effectively with the hardware, allowing it to function properly.

For example, when you install a new printer, you also need to install the corresponding driver provided by the printer's manufacturer. This driver ensures that the operating system understands how to send print commands to the printer and can interpret responses from it.

Firmware is software that is embedded directly into hardware devices, helping them operate at a basic level, but it is not specifically designed for communication between the operating system and hardware peripherals like drivers. Modules typically refer to units of code that can be incorporated into larger applications or systems but do not specifically relate to hardware communication. Applications are software designed to perform specific tasks for users, but they do not facilitate interaction between the OS and hardware.

Thus, understanding the role of drivers highlights their importance in ensuring that hardware components work seamlessly with operating systems, making them a crucial element of computing systems.