Firmware means to read-only memory chips that load instructions or set of instructions permanently. Various softwares are programmed on read-only-memory in electronic devices, to implement various functions of this devices. Such collection of programs or software that manage or control an electronic device is called Firmware. Electronic devices are boots up by firmware. Firmware is non-volatile meaning it has the property of retaining data when electrical power fails or is turned off. This makes difference between random access memory (RAM) and firmware. Random access memory is volatile which loses loaded information at turning off or power failure but firmware is non-volatile. The best and common example of firmware is chip named BIOS(the basic input output system). Such chip of digital devices contains instructions that, booting, initializing hardware etc.
Some permanent and small programs internally maintain various digital devices. For this purpose firmware is most often used. Such examples are calculators, remote controls, various devices like cd-rom, keyboards, harddisk, TFT screens or memory cards, robots etc. Digital camcorder, cell phone, digital camera, mp4 or mp3 player are more complex examples of firmware. These devices, all general and high function are performed by firmware.
The term "firmware" was introduced by Ascher Opler. The original meaning of firmware microcode containing a writable control store that is a specific small area of RAM. Later the meaning of the term "firmware" was broadened because there is difference between firmware and hardware. It is not involved in machine instruction but also is broaden to all programs related to bootstrap, initializing or other implementation of devices.
What is computer firmware?
Computer firmware is nothing but a combination of software and hardware. Computer chips that have instructions or programs loaded on them are firmware. The most common example of such chips are ROMs (read-only memory), PROMs (programmable read-only memory),EPROMs (erasable programmable read-only memory)
Computer parts or devices are most often made for special-purpose. Modern computer peripherals are more flexible by using firmware. It has a more part of firmware. Firmware is stored internally and loaded by host machine may be at startup. That why this part work more comfortably. Such device is most often incapable of performing their task with the firmware loaded on host system. It often needs the specific device driver made by the manufacture company of the device. Device driver package is the programs that interact with hardware. But now-a-days most devices do not need it as it is supplied by the operating system. Modern operating system has direct user interface for configuration.
What is a firmware update?
The term upgrade means to the alteration or replacement of a thing with a newer version of that same thing. Firmware upgrade ensures maximum reliability and performance.
In order to upgrade firmware we need to contact the device's manufacturer. Firmware upgrade is basically adding new feature to the devices or making the device more flexible. That’s why we need the latest firmware update of the devices from the manufacturer. There are mainly two methods of upgrading our firmware. First way is to download the new firmware directly into your device; the second is to request the new firmware from the manufacturer that is either on CD ROM or other digital media. Thus upgrading will be more easy. This upgrade may add new function or feature to our device or may fix old error of devices instantly after upgration.
There may be manual or documentation guide of upgrading the devices.
We should disconnect all the connection path before doing upgration. We need to disconnect all unnecessary cabling. Corruption may occur if we handle various function during upgrading the deivice’s firmware.
If the device is possible to connect directly to internet it is easy to upgrade it’s firmware. In this case, there may be an option named upgrade from internet or we have to go to the homepage of the site or need to search for new update. Then we have to download or upgrade it directly from internet. This device permits access to direct upgrade. Otherwise if there is no way to direct upgrade we have to download the new upgrade to computer hard drive or on other memory devices like memory card or cd.
Then we have to upgrade the firmware by specific cable.
There may be occasional firmware upgrade of the device; we have to search it frequently. We should not upgrade firmware, if there is no new good feature in new version. When manufacturer provide new upgrade version, they also provide installation guide. We should follow the guide.
What is region free firmware?
DVD region codes is a DRM technique structured to provide related studios to manage various aspects just as content, date of releasing, price etc, according to the specific region. DVD is restricted to play over the country in th whole world. This can be done by region code of the disc. In commercial aspect this is too necessary. In commercial case, it requires to play DVD in specific area otherwise, profit can not be gained. That’s why it is encoded such as play discs not possible that are encoded for a different region.
Discs that have no region coding are called region free or all region or region 0 discs. Moreover, many DVD players that is region coded can be changed to region-free. All playbacks of all discs can be possible in such case by adding some modification.
No comments:
Post a Comment