Definition of Firmware

Babylon English
firmware
n. program that is permanently stored in the electronic circuit boards of a computer or in the ROM and cannot be changed by a user

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Firmware definition was found in categories: Computer & Internet(6)  Language, Idioms & Slang(2)  Science & Technology(2)  Encyclopedia(1)  

Firmware Definition from Computer & Internet Dictionaries & Glossaries

FOLDOC
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.

Jargon File
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.

A Glossary of Internet & PC Terminology
Firmware
Software that is stored in the ROM - half way between hardware and software.

Smart Card Terms
Firmware
Low-level software that is similar to hardware features. This software operates by exchanging commands directly with an external device or with a specific software loaded in the product.

Internet Glossary
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.


Steve's Digicams Digital Camera Dictionary
Firmware
An often-used micro program or instruction set stored in ROM. Usually refers to the ROM-based software that controls a unit. Firmware is found in all computer based products from Cameras to Digital Peripherals.


Firmware Definition from Language, Idioms & Slang Dictionaries & Glossaries

WordNet 2.0
firmware

Noun
1. (computer science) coded instructions that are stored permanently in read-only memory
(synonym) microcode
(hypernym) code, computer code
(classification) computer science, computing

hEnglish - advanced version
firmware

firmware
n : (computer science) coded instructions that are stored permanently in read-only memory



Firmware Definition from Science & Technology Dictionaries & Glossaries

Telecommunication Standard Terms
firmware
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 program.

Technical English by wpv
Firmware
Software instructions stored in ROMs.


Firmware Definition from Encyclopedia Dictionaries & Glossaries

Wikipedia English - The Free Encyclopedia
Firmware
In computing, firmware is a computer program that is embedded in a hardware device, for example a microcontroller. It can also be provided on flash ROMs or as a binary image file that can be uploaded onto existing hardware by a user.

As its name suggests, firmware is somewhere between hardware and software. Like software, it is a computer program which is executed by a computer. But it is also an intimate and vital part of a piece of hardware, and has little meaning outside of that particular hardware.


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