What is Firmware?

[AlanSr]

I've updated my firmware on my burner and dvd player a few times. Just yesterday I updated my firmware on my creative Jukebox and it occured to me.......what is firmware:)???

[WillysNut]

Firmware is basically software. I think the name "Firm" comes from the fact that most firmware is controller software for hardware pieces in a given device. Confused yet? :D

The updates you have use a flash program to put new instructions onto the ROM (read only memory) chips designated for the given device! This allows manufacturers to correct bugs and sometimes add performance to lots of stuff!

Pretty simple eh?

[AlanSr]

ok that makes sence, I kinda figured that but I wasn't real sure

[Jon]

It can be compared to a BIOS flash for a motherboard.