Difference Between Software and Firmware

Software vs Firmware

Firmware is a special name given to software that is embedded in an electronic gadget or device to make it run. Since it is a kind of software, trying to differentiate it with software may not be fruitful. What we can do is to explain the roles and functions of firmware and software to draw a comparison between the two. Since firmware is information programmed into the device such as a mobile or a computer that we purchase from the market, it is an essential part of the device that makes it possible to make use of the gadget.

While users cannot access firmware as it is software embedded in the device, software is all other applications that users can install on the gadget for various uses. There is a big difference as far as size of firmware and software is concerned. Since the purpose of firmware is to make the device ready to work, its size is very small and runs into a few kilobytes only. On the other hand, software is of different types depending upon their use and they can be even bigger than the size of your hard disc.

One can easily uninstall or make changes in software from a mobile or a computer whereas it is nearly impossible to make any alterations in the firmware supplied with the device by the manufacturer. One can save software anywhere in his computer or mobile and get access to it whenever he so desires. On the other hand, firmware is stored in a special memory that is also embedded in the device. Manufacturers deliberately do this to ensure that the user does not accidentally get to firmware and erase it by mistake. The kind of memory that was earlier used to store firmware was EEPROM but the use of flash memory has become more popular these days.

It is possible to upgrade software by downloading newer versions from the net or by adding extra files. On the other hand, you need to change the device itself if you want to0 make any changes in firmware.