Firmware is software or a program written on to ROM (non- volatile memory)
Why firmware is written in low level languages?
Firmware is written in low-level languages like Assembly or C because they allow direct
control of hardware, provide efficient performance, manage limited resources well. These
languages are good for devices with small storage, need precise hardware interaction, and
have historical compatibility.
Why firmware is not stored in RAM?
Firmware needs to persistently exist even when the device is powered off. RAM is
volatile memory, meaning it loses its data when the power is turned off. Firmware
must be retained to initialize the hardware and manage system functions every time
the device starts up.
Firmware can be quite large, depending on the complexity of the device. RAM is
typically smaller in capacity compared to non-volatile memory, so storing firmware in
RAM might not be feasible due to size limitations.
Give 4 differences of software and firmware
What is the purpose of BIOS in a computer
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a fundamental component of a computer's
hardware and software architecture. Its primary purpose is to initialize and manage the
essential hardware components of a computer system during the startup process and
provide basic communication between the operating system and the hardware.
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Bios tasks
Hardware Initialization: The BIOS is responsible for initializing critical hardware
components such as the CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory modules,
storage devices (hard drives, solid-state drives), and peripheral devices
(keyboard, mouse, display) when the computer is powered on.
Power-On Self Test (POST): The BIOS conducts a Power-On Self Test to check
if all the hardware components are functioning properly. If any hardware issue
is detected, the BIOS typically provides an error message or a series of beep
codes to indicate the problem.
Bootstrap Loader: After the hardware is initialized and tested, the BIOS loads
the initial part of the operating system from the boot device (usually a hard
drive or solid-state drive) into the computer's memory. This process is known
as bootstrapping.
BIOS Setup: The BIOS provides a user-accessible interface called the BIOS
setup utility. This utility allows users to configure various hardware settings,
such as boot order, hardware clock, and peripheral configurations.
CMOS Setup: The BIOS stores configuration settings in a small piece of non-
volatile memory called CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor).
These settings include information about the hardware, system preferences,
and system time and date. Users can access and modify these settings
through the BIOS setup utility.
Driver Loading: The BIOS provides basic drivers for essential hardware
components. These drivers enable the operating system to communicate with
the hardware during the early stages of startup before the operating system's
own drivers are loaded.
Compatibility and Legacy Support: Older BIOS systems were designed to
provide compatibility with legacy hardware and software. Newer systems may
use UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) instead of traditional BIOS for
improved compatibility, security, and faster boot times.
Security and Boot Integrity: Modern BIOS and UEFI implementations include
security features such as Secure Boot, which verifies the integrity of the
bootloader and the operating system to prevent unauthorized or malicious
code from running during startup.
In summary, the BIOS is responsible for initializing, testing, and configuring
the hardware components of a computer during startup. It also plays a crucial
role in loading the initial part of the operating system and ensuring that the
system boots up correctly.
