Abstract: A model for sharing software such as a device driver. After receiving a notification that a consumer computer system is in need of software that has certain criteria, a referral list is consulted to determine an available software item that best meets this need. The consumer computer system is then told of a provider computer system that is capable of providing that software. The consumer computer system may then download that software directly from the provider computer system. In one example, the software is a driver thus allowing a consumer computer system to automatically download an appropriate driver upon connection of an associated hardware device.