firmware

	This is the JargonFile ^(V4.47) entry for firmware - Next: fish, Prev: fireworks mode
:firmware: Embedded software contained in EPROM or flash memory. It isnt quite hardware, but at least doesnt have to be loaded from a disk like regular software. Hacker usage differs from straight techspeak in that hackers dont normally apply it to stuff that you cant possibly get at, such as the program that runs a pocket calculator. Instead, it implies that the firmware could be changed, even if doing so would mean opening a box and plugging in a new chip. A computers BIOS is the classic example, although nowadays there is firmware in disk controllers, modems, video cards and even CD-ROM drives.
* (text is auto-included via JargonExtension by mutante using JargonFile VERSION 4.4.7, 29 DEC 2003 - JargonFile by Eric S. Raymond is in the public domain)