Firmware is essential to the operation of many electronic devices and acts as the foundational software that ensures functionality and stability. Although firmware is sometimes used interchangeably with ‘software’, they are not the same. In this short guide we explore the distinction between firmware, software and hardware.
Firmware and software are interconnected but separate components of modern technology. Firmware, stored directly on the hardware, provides the crucial instructions for smooth operation of the device.
What is firmware?
Firmware is a type of software that is permanently embedded in hardware devices. It provides the low-level control and instructions necessary to operate the device, often managing basic operations and interfaces.
Is firmware necessary?
Yes, firmware is critical to the operation of hardware devices. It serves as a bridge between the higher level hardware and software, allowing the device to function as intended and perform at its best.
Firmware examples
Firmware can be found in a wide range of devices, including smartphones, computer motherboards, routers, gaming consoles, cameras, and home appliances such as refrigerators. It allows these devices to boot up, communicate with other components, and perform tasks.
Editor’s note:
This guest blog post was written by the staff of Pure Storage, a US-based publicly traded technology company focused on enterprise all-flash data storage solutions. Pure Storage maintains a very active blog, this is one of their “Purely Educational” posts that we reprint here with their permission.
Firmware vs. software
Firmware is a subset of software. While software includes applications, operating systems, and utilities that can be installed and run on devices, firmware is specific to the hardware in which it is embedded. It provides the basic instructions required for the operation of the device. Unlike traditional software, firmware is tightly integrated with the hardware it controls.
Differences between firmware and software
The main differences between firmware and software are:
- Scope: Firmware is closely related to hardware, while software has a broader scope and supports different applications and tasks.
- Persistence: Firmware is typically stored permanently on hardware, while software is often stored on external storage and loaded into memory as needed.
- Upgradeability: Firmware updates are typically device specific and can be more difficult to install than regular software updates, which are easy to download and install.
- Execution: Firmware runs directly on hardware, while software runs on top of an operating system or virtual machine.
Also read: Remember AMI BIOS? Turns out there’s a hidden treasure in the firmware
Firmware vs. embedded software
Embedded software refers to the software specifically designed to perform certain functions within a hardware system. Firmware can be thought of as a type of embedded software responsible for the core operations of the device.
Firmware vs. hardware
Hardware includes the physical components of a device, such as circuitry, processors, and memory. Firmware, stored on hardware, is a set of instructions that determine how the hardware functions. Although firmware is contained within the hardware, it is not hardware itself, but provides the necessary instructions for its operation.
Firmware vs. Drivers
Drivers are software components that facilitate communication between the operating system and specific hardware devices. Firmware, on the other hand, is responsible for the overall operation of the device and may include drivers in its code.
What is the difference between firmware and drivers?
The main difference lies in its scope and purpose. Firmware provides the core instructions for device operation, while drivers allow the operating system to communicate with specific hardware components.
Download and install firmware
The method for downloading and installing firmware updates may vary depending on the device. Firmware updates are typically obtained via the manufacturer’s website (as a standalone download that you can install manually) or via special software provided by the manufacturer – for example: Firmware updates on your iPhone are installed in the operating system menus , or a system update in your PlayStation 5, which works in a similarly seamless way.
Do you need to update the firmware?
Firmware updates are essential for maintaining device performance, improving compatibility, and fixing security issues. While not always mandatory, it is generally recommended to keep the firmware up to date to ensure optimal device functionality.
Routers, monitors, motherboards, smart TVs, drones, digital cameras, and many other devices typically require periodic firmware updates to improve functionality, improve security, and fix software bugs.
How long should a firmware update take?
The duration of a firmware update may vary depending on the device and the complexity of the update, ranging from a few minutes to longer periods of time.
Usually you will see warnings not to interrupt the firmware update process. This is because firmware directly affects a device’s core software, which determines how the hardware functions. If the update is interrupted, it may damage the firmware, potentially rendering the device unusable (also known as ‘bricking’), corrupting data, or causing performance and stability issues.