Firmware

[Tina]

Firmware is a software program or set of instructions programmed on a Hardware device. It provides the necessary instructions for how the device communicates with the other computer Hardware. But how can software be programmed onto Hardware? Good question. Firmware is typically stored in the flash ROM of a Hardware device. While ROM is read-only memory, flash ROM can be erased and rewritten because it is actually a type of flash memory.
Firmware can be thought of as semi-permanent since it remains the same unless it is updated by a firmware updater. You may need to update the firmware of certain devices, such as hard drives and video cards in order for them to work with a new operating system. CD and DVD drive manufacturers often make firmware updates available that allow the drives to read faster media. Sometimes manufacturers release firmware updates that simply make their devices work more efficiently.
You can usually find firmware updates by going to the Support or Downloads area of a manufacturers website. Keeping your firmware up-to-date is often not necessary, but it is still a good idea. Just make sure that once you start a firmware updater, you let the update finish, because most devices will not function if their firmware is not recognized.

[Kai]

Fixed software programs that internally control various electronic devices or individual hardware parts of these devices (such as mobile phones). They involved very basic low-level operations of the device, without which the device would be completely non-functional.

More simple firmwares are usually stored on ROM or OTP/PROM, while more complex firmwares occupy flash memory to allow for updates. Common reasons for updating firmware include fixing bugs or adding features to the device.

Doing so usually involves loading a binary image file provided by the manufacturer into the device, according to a specific procedure. More often than not this is meant to be done by the end user.

[Kit]

Permanent software programmed into a read-only memory.

[Hina Muqadas]

a set of instructions that form part of an electronic device and allow it to communicate with a computer or with other electronic devices

[Tariq Zaki]

noun.

(a) Low-level software that is not usually changed. [Firmware] is now often stored in [EEPROM] or [Flash memory], so it can be erased and updated.

(b) Historically, software that was stored in read-only chips. Since it could not be changed without a hardware change, it was called [firmware].

(c) Commonly used to describe any software on a handheld device.

[Tina]

1. Software contained in a read-only memory ([ROM]) device. 2. less thanigreater than geek-speak less than/igreater than The personality traits that are a little bit difficult to change (requiring [brainwashing], [hypnosis], or the companionship of a woman).