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difference between a firmware and a software? |
*Jojo*
Joined: Oct 15, 2003
Posts: > 500
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I am quite confused with the labelings going around the forum . . . Can anyone here expound further the difference between the two - of course, aside from the word-spelling ! As I know fully that the software is for PC related matters, while firmware are for celfones . . . But I am hearing/reading too that software applies to celfones as well  Cheers! |
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masseur
Joined: Jan 03, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Sydney, London
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firmware is the programming that is embedded on a chip in the device and which controls that device whereas software is the programming that provides functionality over that which is provided by the firmware.
in someways, phone firmware is both firmware and software since not only does it control the device but it also provides functionality
btw, while computers are mostly software driven the bios can be considered as firmware
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[ This Message was edited by: masseur on 2004-10-14 13:03 ] |
*Jojo*
Joined: Oct 15, 2003
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@masseur - I guess that just answers my 'Q' here mate! Very much satisfied . . . You can just lock the thread now, I might just get confused again, if some folks bombard this thread with various interpretation . . . |
manunitedfan
Joined: Oct 10, 2004
Posts: 85
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hes wrong but like u sed if i explain u'll get confused so stick with the wrong explanation if ur happy! |
blackspot
Joined: Sep 06, 2004
Posts: > 500
From: Philippines
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I think it is safe to say that firmware are those programs that are loaded into a the ROM (Read-Only Memory) of a device and are most of the time permanent even when the device is turned off. Some devices however allow users to access the ROM, with the help of special EPROM, (Erasable Programmable ROM) in order to upgrade or reinstall the firmware like most cellphones, computers, CD-ROM drives/writers, etc.
Software on the other hand are those programs that are temporarily loaded into the device's RAM (Random Access Memory) in order for it operate. It is unloaded once the program is terminated or the device is turned off (shut down).
In the case of computers, as what @masseur mentioned the BIOS (firmware) provides the basic functionality while the Operating System and other Applications (software) provide enhanced functionality.
resistance is futile. |
*Jojo*
Joined: Oct 15, 2003
Posts: > 500
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Quote:
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On 2004-10-14 14:21:33, manunitedfan wrote:
hes wrong but like u sed if i explain u'll get confused so stick with the wrong explanation if ur happy!
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@manunitedfan - So, who's wrong here . . . @masseur? OK, expound further with your thoughts mate, and I'm just all - EYES here, now GO! |
marlonxp
Joined: Dec 11, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Somewhere
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I never when refering to phones their was a difference between software and firmware.
wap.marlonhall.com |
manunitedfan
Joined: Oct 10, 2004
Posts: 85
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no no ull just get confused yeah masseur is right... |
*Jojo*
Joined: Oct 15, 2003
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Quote:
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On 2004-10-14 14:27:04, blackspot wrote:
I think it is safe to say that firmware are those programs that are loaded into a the ROM (Read-Only Memory) of a device and are most of the time permanent even when the device is turned off. Some devices however allow users to access the ROM, with the help of special EPROM, (Erasable Programmable ROM) in order to upgrade or reinstall the firmware like most cellphones, computers, CD-ROM drives/writers, etc.
Software on the other hand are those programs that are temporarily loaded into the device's RAM (Random Access Memory) in order for it operate. It is unloaded once the program is terminated or the device is turned off (shut down).
In the case of computers, as what @masseur mentioned the BIOS (firmware) provides the basic functionality while the Operating System and other Applications (software) provide enhanced functionality.
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Thanks ! An explanation coming from a hometown member, I'll give your explanation some thought here dude  ! |
mwarner
Joined: Dec 23, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Warwickshire, England
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Blackspot has the most accurate explanation.
Firmware is code that is executed in Read Only Memory (ROM) of some description, i.e. an EEPROM for phones. It is called "Firm"ware because the code itself cannot be altered under normal circumstances and will still be present even if the power is removed from the device. In the case of a phone, the firmware is held in an EEPROM that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed, but under general use it is fixed.
Software is code that is executed in Random Access Memory (RAM). It can be modified easily (hence "Soft"ware) and will be completely lost if power is removed from the device that hosts it.
For mobile phones, the Operating System and most of the applications are in firmware. The only additional software you can add to your phone are Java applications, and even these behave like firmware (like the data on your phone - MP3s, Pictures etc - they exist in 'battery backed up' memory so they are still present even when you turn your phone off).
For modern PCs there is hardly anything in Firmware. The BIOS is basically just there to configure some hardware parameters and perform simple IO. The main Operating System is in Software as are all the applications.
The above explanations were quite acceptable, but being a Software Engineer who runs a computer Hardware website, I thought i'd give my own explanation
[ This Message was edited by: mwarner on 2004-10-14 16:10 ] |
*Jojo*
Joined: Oct 15, 2003
Posts: > 500
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@mwarner - Thanks well too mate . . . ! |
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Posted: 2004-10-14 13:56
