What is the purpose of a signed driver?

A signed driver serves the crucial function of proving the identity of the publisher of the device driver. Authenticity and security are paramount when it comes to software components that interact closely with the operating system and hardware. By having a digital signature, users can verify that the driver has been published by a trusted source and has not been tampered with since it was signed. This verification helps in maintaining system integrity and protecting against malicious software.

The other options do not align with the primary purpose of a signed driver. For instance, while signed drivers can sometimes indirectly contribute to system performance or connectivity by ensuring that they are compatible and safe to use, this is not their main focus. The increase of printing speed or device connectivity is more related to the functionality and efficiency of the drivers themselves rather than their signed status. Similarly, enhancing memory capacity is not within the scope of what signed drivers can achieve.