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 Definitions for firmware: WordNet (r) 2.0
:
firmware
n : (computer science) coded instructions that are stored
permanently in read-only memory [syn: microcode]
Jargon File (4.3.1, 29 Jun 2001)
:
firmware /ferm'weir/ n. Embedded software contained in EPROM or flash
memory. It isn't quite hardware, but at least doesn't have to be loaded
from a disk like regular software. Hacker usage differs from straight
techspeak in that hackers don't normally apply it to stuff that you
can't possibly get at, such as the program that runs a pocket
calculator. Instead, it implies that the firmware could be changed, even
if doing so would mean opening a box and plugging in a new chip. A
computer's BIOS is the classic example, although nowadays there is
firmware in disk controllers, modems, video cards and even CD-ROM
drives.
The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (27 SEP 03)
:
Firmware
Software stored in read-only memory (ROM) or programmable ROM
(PROM). Easier to change than hardware but harder than
software stored on disk. Firmware is often responsible for
the behaviour of a system when it is first switched on. A
typical example would be a "monitor" program in a
microcomputer which loads the full operating system from disk
or from a network and then passes control to it.
Related SitesFirmware...
In electronics and computing, firmware is a term often used to denote the fixed, usually rather small, programs and/or data structures that internally control various electronic...
firmware: Definition from Answers.com
n. Computer programming instructions that are stored in a read-only memory unit rather than being implemented through software.
iPod, iPhone and iPad Firmware Download
How to restore or update your iPod/iPhone/iPad: After downloading the desired firmware below, you can shift-click (PC) or option-click (Mac) the Restore or Update ...
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