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Firmware Definition
The Hardware manufacturers to use Firmware. it is a form of microcode or program embedded into hardware devices to help them operate effectively. Hardware like harddisk,RAM,cameras, network cards, optical drives, printers, routers, scanners, and television remotes rely on firmware built into their memory to function smoothly.
Firmware operates in a similar way to device drivers. However, firmware is stored directly on the hardware device, whereas drivers are installed in the device’s operating system.
What does Firmware do ?
Firmware provide instructions that helps hardware startup, communicate with device, and perform tasks.
Types of firmware
- Low level firmware
- High level firmware
- Subsystems
1.Low level firmware
This firmware is usually stored in non-volatile memory chips like read-only memory (ROM) and one-time programmable (OTP) memory.
2.High level firmware
This firmware is deployed within flash memory chips and comes with more complex instructions that allow updates to be made.
3.Subsystems:
Firmware at this level is embedded within central processing units (CPUs), flash chips, and liquid crystal display (LCD) units.
What is consider firmware
A program that informs a device's processor how to begin the startup process is considered firmware. firmware like Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) and Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) to load their operating systems.
1.Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)
The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) has been a critical component of computers since the very early days. The BIOS sits on a chip in a computer’s motherboard and issues a set of instructions that enables the device’s operating system to load.
How to work bios in your computer
When a computer is turned on, the BIOS launches instructions that check the machine’s startup process for potential errors. It starts by checking the random access memory (RAM) and processor for faults, then checks connected devices, such as a keyboard and mouse, for any problems. It then checks for a boot sequence, such as Boot from Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) and Boot from Hard Drive. Finally, the BIOS connects to the bootloader program, which wakes up the computer’s operating system and loads it in the RAM.
2.Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI)
Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) is a new generation of firmware that issues the instructions that a device’s CPU uses to start the hardware and initiate the bootloader. EFI is a replacement for BIOS and is used in new computers.
The original EFI firmware is used in Macs and can only support Intel processors. Unified EFI (UEFI) is a piece of firmware designed to replace the BIOS in new Windows computers and supports AMD and Intel processors. UEFI is used to load and start up operating systems in devices that run Windows 8 and beyond.
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