Difference Wiki

Hardware vs. Firmware

Key Differences

Hardware can be steal but can never be hacked. Firmware can be hacked by hacker or can damage through any virus and malware.
Additional program or software is required to run the hardware while firmware is itself a software or program.
Firmware modification is not an easy task while hardware can be modified.
Aimie Carlson
Feb 10, 2015
Hardware itself means something in physical and tangible shape while firmware is the name of a nonphysical and intangible system or program.
Hardware in itself is a whole body and firmware works as a heart of that body.
Due to tangibility and physically form, hardware can got damage easily. There is no concept of damage of a product, which has no physical existence as in case of firmware.
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Motherboard, RAM, hard disk, washing machines, keys, cars, and digital cameras are examples of hardware while operating system, timing & control mechanisms and BIOS are examples of firmware.
Janet White
Feb 10, 2015
Hardware works through mechanical, electrical or electronics functions and properties while binary code is the route for working of firmware.
Updates of firmware are provided by developers when it is required. Hardware cannot be update however it can be replaced with higher version or model.

Hardware and Firmware Definitions

Hardware

Metal goods and utensils such as locks, tools, and cutlery.

Firmware

Software stored in a computer's ROM.

Hardware

(Computers) A computer and the associated physical equipment directly involved in the performance of data-processing or communications functions.
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Firmware

(computing) Something in between hardware and software. Like software, it is created from source code, but it is closely tied to the hardware it runs on.

Hardware

Machines and other physical equipment directly involved in performing an industrial, technological, or military function.

Firmware

Software intended for such embedded computer applications.

Hardware

(Informal) Weapons, especially military weapons.

Firmware

(computer science) coded instructions that are stored permanently in read-only memory

Hardware

Fixtures, equipment, tools and devices used for general-purpose construction and repair of a structure or object. Also such equipment as sold as stock by a store of the same name, e.g. hardware store.
He needed a hammer, nails, screws, nuts, bolts and other assorted hardware, so he went to the hardware store.
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Hardware

(informal) Equipment.
Military hardware

Hardware

(computing) The part of a computer that is fixed and cannot be altered without replacement or physical modification; motherboard, expansion cards, etc. Compare software.

Hardware

(technology) Electronic equipment.

Hardware

Metal implements.
The designers have put their logo on the hardware of this bag here.

Hardware

(slang) A firearm.

Hardware

(slang) Medals or trophies.

Hardware

(Philippines) hardware store

Hardware

Ware made of metal, as cutlery, kitchen utensils, and the like; ironmongery.

Hardware

Any of the physical objects used in carrying out an activity, in contrast to the knowledge, skill, or theory required to perform the activity; mostly used collectively.

Hardware

The sum of all the physical objects, such as the electrical, mechanical, and electronic devices which comprise a computer system; as, the typical PC hardware suite consists of a mainboard and a number of peripherals such as hard drives and speakers, connected by adapter cards, but the input and output from users occurs mostly through the keyboard and monitor; contrasted with software, the programs executed by the computer.

Hardware

The weapons, transport, and other physical objects used in conducting a war.

Hardware

Weapons, especially handguns, carried on the person; as, check your hardware at the door before entering.

Hardware

Major items of military weaponry (as tanks or missile)

Hardware

Instrumentalities (tools or implements) made of metal

Hardware

(computer science) the mechanical, magnetic, electronic, and electrical components making up a computer system

What is Hardware?

Hardware are those mechanical tools, which are required for performing any activity or task. It can be in different shape with different uses. Take household hardware, tools like key, locks, utensils, wire, chains, etc are examples of household hardware. Digital screen, electronic chips & transistors, capacitors are examples of digital and electronics components. Hard disk, processor, motherboard, RAM, CD Rom and power supply are kind of computer hardware. The list is endless. Some hardware are used individually like a key and some required external tool or program to work. Like key always works individually. You do not requires any other tool for performance of key. Computer hardware always requires a software to run properly. It cannot work independently.

What is Firmware?

Firmware is that electronic and computing system, software or program without which some hardware cannot be used. Program and instructions used in remote control, traffic lights, automobiles, digital cameras, mobiles, computers and laptops are common examples of firmware. You cannot use all these without having any embedded system or software. Mobile never works without any software. Computer or laptop cannot run without any Windows Operating System. Moreover, updating embedded system is not possible if it is not supported by your firmware device or tool.

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