Definition of "firmware" according to google. Take your pick
Definitions of *firmware* on the Web:
Software that is embedded in a hardware device that allows reading and
executing the software, but does not allow modification, e.g., writing
or deleting data by an end user. (188) Note 1: An example of firmware
is a computer program in a read-only memory (ROM) integrated circuit
chip. A hardware configuration is usually used to represent the
software. Note 2: Another example of firmware is a program embedded in
an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) chip, which program
may be modified by special external hardware, but not by an application
Alterable programs in semipermanent storage, e.g., some type of
read-only or flash reprogrammable memory.
Software routines stored in read-only memory (ROM). Unlike random access
memory (RAM), read-only memory stays intact in the absence of electrical
power. Startup routines and low-level input/output instructions are
stored in firmware. See also BIOS, EFI.
Any software stored in a form of read-only memory----ROM,EPROM,or
EEPROM---that maintains its contents when power is removed. The BIOS
used in IBM-compatible computers is firmware.
Software (programs or data) that has been written onto read-only memory
(ROM). Firmware is a combination of software and hardware. ROMs, PROMs
and EPROMs that have data or programs recorded on them are firmware.
Software routines that are permanently written onto read-only memory
A computer program or software stored permanently in PROM or ROM.
In a CD recorder, firmware is the programming instructions contained on
a ROM chip within the CD recorder which tell the recorder how to respond
to commands issued by software. Some firmware is flash-upgradeable,
meaning that you can upgrade the firmware by running a piece of software
on the computer attached to the recorder. Other firmware is coded into
non-rewriteable chip, so the entire chip must be changed in order to
upgrade the firmware. How to find out what firmware you have.
The same as software, except it is executed from ROM, and does not
disappear when the computer is turned off. Almost any software could be
in ROM, except programs that modify themselves as they run.
The combination of hardware device and computer instructions and/or
computer data that resides as read-only software on the hardware device.
Programs or instructions stored in a PROM. Campbell Scientific uses the
term firmware to refer to the software residing on a PROM or EEPROM.
A combination of a software program in hardware, such as a READ-ONLY
MEMORY (ROM), or a disk that has files or software programs written on
The combination of a hardware device, e.g., an Integrated Circuit, and
computer instructions and data that reside as read only software on that
device. Such software can not be modified by the computer during
A method of organizing control of an AIS in a microprogrammed structure
in addition to, or rather than, software or hardware. Microprograms are
composed of microinstructions, normally resident in read-only memory, to
control the sequencing of computer circuits directly at the detailed
level of the single machine instruction.
System software stored in a device's memory that controls the device.
Firmware becomes "hard software" when holding program code. Firmware is
often responsible for the behaviour of a system when it is first
Software or instructions built-in to a computer chip, such as an EPROM
(eraseable programmable read-only memory).
A computer program containing device-specific characteristics. If the
code can be updated, it is said to be "flashable." FastSense technology
A Seagate feature which optimizes backup time by allowing the tape drive
to throttle its speed up or down to match the computer system's
resources. This prevents "shoe-shining" or "back-hitching", i.e. the
tendency for a drive to stop, rewind, and restart. FastSense also
increases the life expectancy of a tape drive.
A computer program or software stored permanently in EPROM, PROM, or ROM.
a software routine that has been stored in a read only memory and thus
is available at power up without the need for reloading the code.
Programs or instructions which are stored in read-only memory.
Software programmed on a non-volatile integrated circuit
Application recorded in permanent or semi permanent computer memory.
Software instructions stored in ROMs.
The basic program of a computer or peripheral device stored in some sort
of 'permanent' memory. e.g. a PC BIOS, CD-ROM drive manager. Modern
firmware is often stored in updatable 'flash' memory, rather than
requiring chip exchange.
Software that is stored permanently, usually on a ROM chip. Firmware is
hard software, or soft hardware, depending on perspective.
(computer science) coded instructions that are stored permanently in