Hardware vs. Firmware — What's the Difference?

The physical components of a computer or electronic device.

Software embedded in a hardware device to control its functions.

Tools, machinery, or other durable equipment.

Software that provides low-level control for a device's hardware.

Military weapons and equipment.

Non-volatile code stored in read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory.

The equipment required for a particular activity.

Software that remains unchanged during normal operation but can be updated.

Awards, often in the form of trophies or medals.

Code that acts as an interface between the device's hardware and higher-level software.

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

In computing, firmware is a specific class of computer software that provides the low-level control for a device's specific hardware. Firmware, such as the BIOS of a personal computer, may contain only elementary basic functions of a device and may only provide services to higher-level software.

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

Software stored in a computer's ROM.

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

(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.

(Informal) Weapons, especially military weapons.

Software intended for such embedded computer applications.

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.

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

(informal) Equipment.

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

(technology) Electronic equipment.

Metal implements.

(slang) A firearm.

(slang) Medals or trophies.

(Philippines) hardware store

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

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.

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.

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

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

Major items of military weaponry (as tanks or missile)

Instrumentalities (tools or implements) made of metal

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

Firmware is software, but it's closely tied to hardware as it's embedded directly within it.

Not all hardware requires firmware, but many electronic devices use it for basic operation.

Improper firmware updates can cause devices to malfunction but rarely cause permanent hardware damage.

Sometimes, yes, but it can void warranties or cause compatibility issues.

It depends, but replacing modular hardware components like RAM can be straightforward, while firmware requires specific tools or software.

Yes, even simple devices often use firmware for basic controls.

Devices often notify users or prompt updates via software interfaces.

Yes, firmware updates can add features, improve performance, or fix bugs.

In most cases, no, because firmware provides the necessary instructions for basic functionality.

Typically, yes, as manufacturers provide them to improve the user experience.

Firmware controls low-level hardware functions, whereas an operating system manages overall system software.

Yes, if the hardware is damaged, it can impact the firmware's ability to function correctly.

Yes, firmware updates can enhance speed, stability, and overall device efficiency.

Some devices allow rollback, but it's not always possible and depends on the manufacturer's design.

No, firmware is embedded in hardware, while drivers are software that helps an operating system communicate with the hardware.