Firmware is software that is stored permanently in the read-only memory. This software may determine how a device functions, and/or what functions it is capable to doing. In essence, the firmware on your various devices (router, printer, game systems) is what gives it it’s functionality.

Basically, firmware is a program that runs on a deeper level of operation than what other software runs. It can be classified as almost a mix of both software and hardware. The reasoning for this statement is not only does the firmware of a component contain an executable piece of software, but also contains a piece of the hardware necessary for the devices operation.

In computers, an example of firmware can be located in the computers read-only memory (ROM). Whenever the computer is started, so starts the firmware component of the ROM. The firmware gives the ROM instructions about how to run and what it needs to be doing. Firmware is supposed to store the instructions permanently, although you can update firmware in devices, which assures that the device is running as intended. Firmware updates are released by the hardware manufacturers every once and a while to provide the firmware with the latest, most finalized set of instructions.

It should be understood that while the firmware itself is permanent, it may be overwritten. In the past this wasn’t a possibility. If you needed to get the most recent firmware, you’d have to buy a newer model that included the updated firmware. Today, this is not the case. The firmware is built to be able to update itself and fix all of the bugs and inconsistencies that need to be corrected, without the need to replace the hardware. Things are quite a bit cheaper than they used to be (in that sense).

Most types of firmware can be updated via a download from the manufacturers website, or perhaps some other website that provides firmware upgrade downloads. Many of these firmware updates comes with their own self-installer, but others need to be manually installed. Some devices even update themselves! For example, a dish satellite receiver (some of the newer versions) can be heard booting themselves up and idling for a bit before powering themselves back down. In that process they were downloading new firmware and installing it themselves. Pretty neat, huh?

If you need detailed instructions on how to install firmware of a Linksys router, check here.

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