Firmware

Firmware is a special-purpose module of low-level software that serves two purposes. Initial, it acts like BIOS, enabling the device to get stock of its capabilities and to make those capabilities functional. Next, it coordinates the activities of the hardware throughout normal operation and contains programming constructs used to do those operations. For example, in a typical modem, the firmware will be a issue in establishing the modem's data rate, command set recognition, and particular feature completion.

Firmware is stored in a particular type of memory chip that doesn't misplace its storage capabilities when power is detached or lost. This non-volatile memory is classified as "read-only" memory (ROM) since the user, during usual operation, cannot modify the information stored there. The basic type of chip is called a PROM, which is programmable by some technician who has a programming console. An essential PROM receives one version of firmware. That code is "burned in" to the PROM and cannot be distorted. To update the firmware, the PROM must be actually removed from the device and replaced with a new chip.