What is firmware? Look at your system and count the number of gadgets. Their number can easily exceed 5, you should probably replace them? It is easy to update an old program and install a new version by simply clicking a button. New versions may be released for each program within a few months.
In addition to software, the hardware also needs to be upgraded. Sometimes, depending on the performance of software, it may be necessary to change the way hardware components work. But replacing hardware components is not as easy as replacing a piece of software. This is where the firmware comes in. The firmware update eliminates the need to replace hardware.
What is firmware?
Firmware is a software program that is usually stored in the flash ROM (read-only memory) of a hardware device and provides instructions on how to operate the device. Flash ROM Unlike ROM, it can be rewritten because it is a kind of flash memory. The firmware update only happens when the developer has released it.
When installing a new operating system (which is essentially software) you may need to update firmware related to some hardware such as hard drives and video cards and.. Not always compatible, sometimes manufacturers release a firmware update to increase the effective performance of hardware components or reduce power consumption.
What happens without firmware?
Every gadget on desktops, laptops, or smartphones has multiple firmwares that hold them.
When starting the computer, a special firmware on the motherboard helps the system find the operating system and provide it with startup instructions. Without the firmware, the motherboard does not know how to detect an existing hard drive or graphics card. The firmware even controls the operation and communication of disk or SSDs with other parts of the system. Each starting part of the video adapter, network adapters (wired and wireless), USB controller, Bluetooth radio have a separate firmware. Mice, keyboards, printers, webcams, monitors also have firmware running.
If hard disks do not have a firmware in them, they do not know when to spin, when to stop, or how fast to spin. The wireless network card never knows how to use a particular radio frequency to connect to WiFi. We often think of a hardware device as a system that is made of hardware only and can work on its own. However, the truth is that almost no modern hardware device can work without this special software written directly on them.
When should the firmware be updated?
- Troubleshooting or security: Various security risks are a negative aspect of technological advances that put devices at risk. Therefore, device manufacturers need to upgrade their security features from time to time.
- Add features: Provide a better experience and interaction to the user by adding new features.
- Improved performance: Improved firmware performance leads to improved CPU performance. All device accessories should work together so delays are reduced.
Different types of firmware
The firmware varies depending on the hardware of the devices. Firmware is available on computer motherboards (also called BIOS or UEFI) Firmware on hard drives, SSDs, CD / DVD / Blu-Ray drives, network cards, routers, access points, even gaming mouse and keyboard There is also. It’s not just computer-based devices that have firmware. Every machine that can do useful work has firmware, such as a TV, washing machine and even vehicles.
Compare firmware, device drivers and software
