The path between the operating system and external hardware goes through what program?

The correct answer is the driver, which serves as a vital intermediary between the operating system and external hardware components. A driver is a specialized software program that facilitates communication by translating the operating system's commands into a format that the hardware can understand and respond to.

When an operating system wants to perform an action that involves hardware, it sends a command to the driver. The driver processes this command and communicates directly with the hardware device, ensuring that the two can work together effectively. This layer of abstraction is essential because different hardware devices require different protocols and methods of communication; the driver is tailored to the specific device it controls.

In contrast, other options such as director, sender, and deliver do not represent established programs that handle this communication. "Director" might imply an overseeing body but is not a specific software program responsible for interfacing with hardware. "Sender" and "deliver" suggest actions related to communication but do not denote the software component that handles OS-to-hardware interactions. Thus, drivers are the essential elements ensuring that hardware operates smoothly and harmoniously within the operating environment.