In the computer world, the terms software and hardware are often encountered, these two terms are very familiar among the people. Software is a term used for software that is on a computer, this device is generally not physically visible. While hardware is hardware on a computer that looks physically visible, such as a mouse, desktop, and so on.
In addition to software and hardware, the term firmware is also known. A small piece of software that helps hardware to perform its function as intended, have you ever thought that a traffic light on a highway has firmware in it? Firmware on traffic lights that makes the existing colors change periodically, without which traffic lights will only be standing poles with no function.
In a firmware there is a collection of instructions that will be used to control, filter, manage data traffic that has been privately allowed in the software. Firmware is very important for updating, firmware that does not update completely and completely over time can damage the firmware. It can also damage the way the device works fatally, you need to avoid applying the wrong update on a device.
Understanding and Functions of Firmware
Firmware is a small device and is in software, it is useful to help hardware move according to its function. Often it is referred to as a firmware, it can even be said that the firmware is almost similar to the operating system on a computer. Hardware that does not have firmware, will be the same as software that does not have an operating system. So that the commands given to the hardware will not run as instructed, initially the firmware only has memory that is programmed to read only or read only (PROM).
The design given to it was also limited to working permanently without being able to perform certain updates, until then the existing PROM developed and was changed to EPROM or Erasable Programmable ROM. Then the firmware develops into flash memory that is easy for you to use, even more practical when updated. Electronic devices which are hardware devices must have firmware, without which they certainly cannot function and support your daily needs.
Regarding function, the firmware itself functions as a performance controller of the hardware. Without it, the hardware cannot be operated, especially on electronic devices such as smartphones. Have you ever found a smartphone asking you to update? It is a firmware update, the function of the update is to improve the performance of the hardware. Firmware is usually used to fix errors that occur on the system.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Firmware Update
A firmware must be updated according to its needs which are generally scheduled automatically when there is an update, firmware that does not finish updating can cause damage to the firmware itself. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of updating the firmware, especially on Android devices.
Excess
Firmware that performs regular updates can help maximize Android performance to adapt applications to the hardware on the device, Android performance will also be more stable than the previous system, improve security, add the latest features, improve its quality and solve problems such as bugs, make power the battery from Android becomes more efficient than before, and is able to cover the shortcomings that exist in the previous device system.
Deficiency
With the latest features that continue to grow along with updates, it turns out to have an impact on Android performance which is getting heavier, when updating and an error occurs it can be fatal to the use of HP that can no longer be used, the latest features obtained from the update and you don’t need will burden Android itself.
Examples of Firmware
There are many electronic devices in everyday life that have firmware in them, not only on computers. Here’s the review.
1. Electronic Device
Generally in almost every home there are electronic devices, these tools are also commonly used in everyday life. Has it ever occurred to you that your washing machine has firmware in it? Washing machines that use a timer and control system have firmware in them, besides that firmware is also found in television remotes, calculators, MP3 players, and smartphones.
2. Computer Components
The computer components consist of Basic input output system, Unified extensible firmware interface, open firmware, and ARCS on silicon graphics type computers.
3. Routers And Firewalls
Inside the router and firewall there is also a firmware consisting of openWRT which is a GNU/Linux-based firmware with more complete features for routers when compared to the manufacturer’s routers, distribution firmware from Linux that makes it easy to setup and secure a network is called IPFire, lastly contained in monowall which is a firmware which when used can provide important features for a firewall on a PC.
Types of Firmware
After you know the meaning and function as well as examples of firmware, it’s a good idea to also know the types of firmware. This is useful for those of you who want to know more about firmware, here’s a review.
1. BIOS
Firmware located and stored on the motherboard of a computer is known as BIOS, this type of firmware can interact with hardware and check for hidden errors that are not known by software. Furthermore, the BIOS will give a signal to a program called the bootloader, this program functions to execute instructions on the operating system on the hard drive and then inserted into the memory access device. His main responsibility is to take care of the components that are on your hardware, and make sure that all these components run properly.
2. EFI
Extensible Firmware Interface or abbreviated as EFI is a specification in the system firmware that can give the CPU the first instructions for the hardware to turn on and pass control to the bootloader. EFI is also sometimes referred to as UEFI which stands for unified extensible firmware interface which has certain advantages when compared to BIOS. The EFI system is also very compatible with its secure boot feature, this secure boot serves to increase the security system on the device.