What is firmware?

Answer 1

In computing, firmware is software that is embedded in a hardware device. It is often provided on flash ROMs or as a binary image file that can be uploaded onto existing hardware by a user. Firmware is defined as: * the computer program in a read-only memory (ROM) integrated circuit (a hardware part number or other configuration identifier is usually used to represent the software); * the erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) chip, whose program may be modified by special external hardware, but not by [a general purpose] application program. Source: Federal Standard 1037C. * the electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) chip, whose program may be modified by special electrical external hardware (not the usual optical light), but not by [a general purpose] application program. EEPROMS are now (as of 2006) fast, large & cheap enough to compete with floppy disks, small hard disks and small CD-ROMs. The most popular form of firmware then, without any need for battery supports, are the "Flash Disks", which are usually inserted into various digital devices and used for storage. The term "firmware" was originally coined to indicate a functional replacement for hardware on low cost microprocessors. Note that firmware for many devices can now be updated without the need for additional hardware, often through the use of vendor-provided software. In practical terms, firmware updates can improve the performance and reliability, indeed even the basic available functionality of a device, and many devices benefit from regular firmware updates. One of the most common devices to have regular firmware updates are recording devices such as optical media writers (DVD, CD, Bluray), as media technologies extend, so firmware updates ensure hardware is kept up to date and compatible. Most devices attached to modern systems are special-purpose computers in their own right, running their own software. Some of these devices store that software ("firmware") in a ROM within the device itself. Over the years, however, manufacturers have found that loading the firmware from the host system is both cheaper and more flexible. As a result, much current hardware is unable to function in any useful way until the host computer has fed it the requisite firmware. This firmware load is handled by the device driver. Examples of firmware include: * The BIOS found in IBM-compatible Personal Computers; * The EFI, found on Itanium systems, Intel-based Mac OS X machines, and as a secondary bootloader (which runs after the traditional BIOS) on x64 PCs; * The operating system on a router, such as the Linksys WRT54G * Open Firmware, used in computers from Sun Microsystems and Apple Computer; * ARCS, used in computers from Silicon Graphics; * RTAS (Run-Time Abstraction Services), used in computers from IBM; * EPROM chips used in the Eventide H-3000 series of digital music processors. * The Common Firmware Environment (CFE). Firmware is a program, which is embedded on a hardware. Traditionally firmware is stored in ROM chips. It can also be described as a combination of software and hardware. PROMs, EPROMs and flash ROMs which have program recorded on them are called firmware. Firmware is normally associated with Cell phones and video game consoles. Firmware is the internal software that the device uses to provide a graphical interface for the device. It's actually an Operating like Windows is to a Computer.

Firmware is a term sometimes used to denote the fixed, usually rather small, programs that internally control various electronic devices. Typical examples range from end user products such as remote controls or calculators, through computer parts and devices like harddisks, keyboards, TFT screens or memory cards, all the way to scientific instrumentation and industrial robotics. Also more complex consumer devices, such as mobile phones, digital cameras, synthesizers, etc., contain firmware to enable the device's basic operation as well as implementing higher level functions.

Naturally, there are no strict, or well defined, boundaries between firmware and software, both are quite loose descriptive terms. However, firmware is always involved with very basic low-level operations in a device, without which the device would be completely non-functional.

Simple firmware typically reside in ROM or OTP/PROM, while more complex firmware often employ flash memory to allow for updates. Common reasons for updating firmware include fixing bugs or adding features to the device. Doing so usually involves loading a binary image file provided by the manufacturer into the device, according to a specific procedure; this is sometimes intended to be done by the end user Answer: Firmware is usually defined as a type of program that runs within an electronic device. Firmware is not categorized either as hardware or software, but a mix of both. The reason firmware is considered a combination of both categories is that firmware employs an executable program (.exe) and includes an integrated piece of the electronic device.
Firmware is a blend of hardware and software. Computer chips have code embedded on itself to run is firmware. This code would be useless outside the chip and the chip would be rendered useless without the code.