Firmware: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ป
firmware
[ หfษrmหwษr ]
software component
Firmware is a type of software that is permanently programmed into a hardware device, providing low-level control for the device's specific hardware. Unlike regular software, firmware is stored in non-volatile memory, meaning it retains its functionality even when the device is powered off. Firmware is essential for devices such as routers, computer peripherals, and consumer electronics, allowing them to function correctly.
Synonyms
embedded software, program, software.
Examples of usage
- The printer's firmware needed an update.
- He flashed the firmware on his router.
- Make sure the firmware is compatible with the new device.
- The camera's firmware was outdated, affecting performance.
Translations
Translations of the word "firmware" in other languages:
๐ต๐น firmware
๐ฎ๐ณ เคซเคฐเฅเคฎเคตเฅเคฏเคฐ
๐ฉ๐ช Firmware
๐ฎ๐ฉ firmware
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟัะพัะธะฒะบะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ oprogramowanie ukลadowe
๐ฏ๐ต ใใกใผใ ใฆใงใข
๐ซ๐ท micrologiciel
๐ช๐ธ firmware
๐น๐ท yazฤฑlฤฑm
๐ฐ๐ท ํ์จ์ด
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงูุจุฑู ุฌูุงุช ุงูุซุงุจุชุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ firmware
๐ธ๐ฐ firmware
๐จ๐ณ ๅบไปถ
๐ธ๐ฎ strojna programska oprema
๐ฎ๐ธ fastaforrit
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผะธะบัะพะฑะฐาะดะฐัะปะฐะผะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แคแแ แแแแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ sabit proqram tษminatฤฑ
๐ฒ๐ฝ firmware
Etymology
The term 'firmware' originated in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a way to describe the software that is closely tied to hardware. It combines the terms 'firm' and 'software', indicating that it is more permanent than regular software yet not as ingrained as hardware. The use of firmware became more prominent with the rise of personal computing and consumer electronics. As hardware devices became more complex, the need for firmware to manage their operations grew. Initially, firmware was often stored on read-only memory (ROM), which allowed it to be executed directly by the hardware without the need for additional loading processes. Over time, as technology evolved, the storage of firmware expanded to include flash memory, enabling easier updates and modifications. Today, firmware continues to play a critical role in the functionality and usability of a wide range of electronic devices.