Posted by: Administrator
on November 14, 2006 10:28 AM
Firmware refers to binary ocde that is transferred into ram inside a hardware device at the time the hardware is initialised (usually at boot up or when a hot plug device is first connected). Originally and ideally the term firmware refers to ROM memory (flash, eprom or masked rom) which is loaded with software at time of manufacture, but these days it is apparently cheaper to buy generic controllers that have on board ram and load the ram with the soft(firm)ware at switch on.
As with most money saving ideas, it advantages the manufacturer but is a disadvantage to almost everyone else, customer, operating system builder, driver writers, etc.
Perhaps a new name should be chosen for this kind of software, perhaps softish-ware or firmish-ware?
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Re:Hmm
Posted by: Administrator on November 14, 2006 10:28 AMAs with most money saving ideas, it advantages the manufacturer but is a disadvantage to almost everyone else, customer, operating system builder, driver writers, etc.
Perhaps a new name should be chosen for this kind of software, perhaps softish-ware or firmish-ware?
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