Firmware
Firmware: Computer programming stored in programmable read-only memory thus becoming a permanent part of the computing device.
Definition
Computer programming stored in programmable read-only memory thus becoming a permanent part of the computing device. It is created and tested like software.
Alternative Definitions
- Definition 2
Computer programs (software) stored in read-only memory (ROM) devices embedded in the system and not capable of being altered during system operation.
- Definition 3
A specific class of software encoded directly into a hardware device that controls its defined functions.
- Definition 4
Computer programs and data stored in hardware - typically in read-only memory (ROM) or programmable read-only memory (PROM) - such that the programs and data cannot be dynamically written or modified during execution of the programs.
- Definition 5
Software programmed into read-only memory (ROM).
- Definition 6
Computer instructions that are encoded directly into computer hardware. Firmware is resident to the hardware and cannot be altered without modifying the hardware. Voting systems may contain firmware that cannot be altered without replacing the hardware.
- Definition 7
A specific class of software encoded directly into a hardware device that controls its defined functions and provides the low-level control for the computer’s specific hardware (such as the firmware that initially boots an operating system).
- Definition 8
The programs and data components of a cryptographic module that are stored in hardware within the cryptographic boundary and cannot be dynamically written or modified during execution. (FIPS 140-2) (NISTIR)
- Definition 9
“Computer programs (software) stored in read -only memory (ROM) devices embedded in the system and not capable of being altered dur ing system operation.” FVSS Appendix. It occupies a middle position between hardware and software, firmware being more difficult to change than software, but easier to change than hardware.
- Definition 10
Software loaded into a sort of computer memory that cannot be eaily changed, called “read only” memory, as opposed to “read/write” memory, which is more easily changed. Computers use firmware to execute basic functionality like starting up.