Understanding what firmware is and how it works is a fundamental part of optimization of our electronic devices. On many occasions the operation of the firmware is confused with that of the drivers, but they are intertwined software elements and we must learn to differentiate.
All electronic devices have some kind of code or firmwares. Whether it's a mobile phone, a smart TV or a washing machine. Some have options for updating and must be done from time to time, so that the device works in the best possible way and makes the most of the possibilities of each device.
Understanding what the firmware is
It is a basic program that controls the various electronic circuits of a device. It is also known as "firmware", and thanks to it, the different hardware functions are managed and carried out. Inside an electronic device there can be numerous interconnected circuits, and each one has different moments of activation and operations. The firmware is responsible for them acting correctly.
El firmware code it is usually present in memory chips that are placed apart from the main ones. ROM memories are found in devices such as an electronic mouse or a Bluetooth headset. Without this memory, the device would not know how to make its circuitry work. The firmware is always integrated into the hardware, but it is a code, that is, it is part of the software. It is the point of union between the physical and logical part that makes an electronic device run.
firmware update
On newer electronic devices, it is necessary update the firmware from time to time to achieve the best possible performance. However, the update is not automatic. The user has to manually carry out any modification, and in some cases advanced tools are required.
The most common example is the BIOS of a computer. This code is responsible for starting, configuring and confirming that the components of the device work well. To update the BIOS, the download and process must be done manually. In this way, the best performance of the components is achieved, being able to expand the detection of memories or processors with better characteristics.
What difference does the firmware of a driver?
Although the purpose of firmwares and drivers is similar, they are different components. Firmware is code that is always installed on all devices inside a separate memory module. Drivers are code that is installed within the operating system. For that reason you have to update drivers as in Real High Definition Audio every so often.
Firmware is the lowest level of software that can interact with the hardware. While the drivers are at a higher level, when the device already has an operating system that allows more complex interactions. In addition, the drivers do not have a separate memory, but are stored on the hard drive.
If we have to format or return a device to its factory state, the firmwares will still be there. The drivers will have to be reinstalled along with the operating system. The driver update is also simpler, because it is enough to download and activate the installer of a new pack. The operating system is responsible for correctly disposing of the new libraries and code data for the drivers.
What do drivers and firmware have in common?
It's time to talk about the similarities with drivers. Electronic device manufacturers should ensure that they provide both firmware and drivers. Otherwise the device or component may not function optimally. Without the firmware the device will not run directly, and without the drivers we may not be able to get the most out of a video card or a special keyboard.
What functions does the firmware fulfill?
Understanding in a few words how the firmware works, we can indicate that it serves as communication code between hardware components. Every smart piece of an appliance requires a firmware, and in more complex appliances there may be several different firmwares inside the circuit.
on a computer, motherboard firmware is BIOS, but hard drives or graphics cards also come with their own firmware. Each one works at different levels, but without them we could not guarantee the correct operation of the device. The BIOS is the main firmware that is responsible for communicating and managing with the others.
It is important to update and take care of the firmware because there are threats and malicious modification attempts for this component. The Viruses or BIOS attacks They are the most effective, since it is an element that works at lower levels, allowing access to almost the entirety of an appliance. However, by taking care of the way in which we handle the firmware and components of a computer, we can be sure that it is not infected. That is why it is important to know what it is and how it normally works.