Hardware vs. Firmware

Hardware vs. Firmware — Is There a Difference?
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Difference Between Hardware and Firmware

Hardware vs. Firmware

Hardware itself means something in physical and tangible shape while firmware is the name of a nonphysical and intangible system or program.

Hardware vs. Firmware

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.

Hardware vs. Firmware

Hardware works through mechanical, electrical or electronics functions and properties while binary code is the route for working of firmware.

Hardware vs. Firmware

Hardware can be steal but can never be hacked. Firmware can be hacked by hacker or can damage through any virus and malware.

Hardware vs. Firmware

Additional program or software is required to run the hardware while firmware is itself a software or program.

Hardware vs. Firmware

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.

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Hardware vs. Firmware

Firmware modification is not an easy task while hardware can be modified.

Hardware vs. Firmware

Hardware in itself is a whole body and firmware works as a heart of that body.

Hardware vs. 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.

Hardwarenoun

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.

Firmwarenoun

(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.

Hardwarenoun

(informal) Equipment.

military hardware
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Firmwarenoun

Software intended for such embedded computer applications.

Hardwarenoun

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

Firmwarenoun

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

Hardwarenoun

(technology) Electronic equipment.

Hardwarenoun

Metal implements.

Hardwarenoun

(slang) A firearm.

Hardwarenoun

major items of military weaponry (as tanks or missile)

Hardwarenoun

instrumentalities (tools or implements) made of metal

Hardwarenoun

(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.