This required programming the computer to run those programs automatically. In this article, Opler was referring to a new kind of computer program that had a different practical and psychological purpose from traditional programs from the user's perspective.Īs computers began to increase in complexity, it became clear that various programs needed to first be initiated and run to provide a consistent environment necessary for running more complex programs at the user's discretion. Common reasons for updating firmware include fixing bugs or adding features to the device.Īscher Opler coined the term firmware in a 1967 Datamation article. Some firmware memory devices are permanently installed and cannot be changed after manufacture. Updating firmware requires ROM integrated circuits to be physically replaced, or EPROM or flash memory to be reprogrammed through a special procedure. Typical examples of devices containing firmware are embedded systems, home and personal-use appliances, computers, and computer peripherals.įirmware is held in non-volatile memory devices such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and Flash memory.
For less complex devices, firmware may act as the device's complete operating system, performing all control, monitoring and data manipulation functions. Firmware, such as the BIOS of a personal computer, may contain basic functions of a device, and may provide hardware abstraction services to higher-level software such as operating systems. In computing, firmware is a specific class of computer software that provides the low-level control for a device's specific hardware. A television remote control is an example of a product that contains firmware.
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