What is Firmware? Firmware is the form of software that is used to provide low-level control for specific hardware in our devices. What separates it from other software it is that it is created for specific hardware, and is embedded within that hardware itself. A good example of this is your home router, which has specific firmware and capabilities. Over time, firmware may be upgraded to add additional features or improve performance, but it is that embedded firmware that controls everything the router can do. It is present in everything from your smartphone or games console to advanced systems built on CAN (Controller Area Network) technology. It is firmware that defines what an electronic device is capable of, and as such has become an incredibly important aspect of product design and operation. The Differences Between Firmware and Software The key difference between the two is how they function, and the flexibility they have. If you use a piece of software to edit photos, you can easily swap to another if you choose, there are hundreds of options. Similarly, new features can be added to your software in a few clicks with an update, but things are not so simple with firmware. Firmware is embedded into a device and created specifically for it, it can’t be swapped out for another piece of software. While you will occasionally get updates to firmware for things like phones and routers, it is a complex process that must overwrite the embedded system. You will often hear firmware described as semi-permanent software for this reason. The Firmware Update Process A firmware update can be an intimidating prospect, however, it is something that can add valuable features or fix potential security issues on hardware, so is definitely something you cannot ignore. Closely related to Firmware Over-the-Air (FOTA) systems, it first wipes the existing firmware, then embeds the new, updated firmware in its place. Conclusion Because firmware is so important to the functionality of your devices, understanding what it is and how it is updated is essential. Firmware updates often bring improved functionality, but are frequently provided to deal with potential security threats, fix safety issues and more. Pay attention to your devices and update them when firmware improvements are made available.
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