Firmware, software, and hardware are differentbut how?
Regardless of how you get tothatanswer, there’s often much confusion when it comes to hardware versus software.
It gets even more confusing whenfirmwareis brought into the mix.
Andrew Brookes / Getty Images
Since hardware is part of the “real” world, it all eventually wears out.
Is it missing a piece?
If so, the hardware is probably the source of the concern.
Software interacts with you, the hardware you’re using, and with hardware that exists elsewhere.
Software is also extremely flexible, allowing it to be continuously updated and modified.
Another great thing about software is its potential to last indefinitely.
Equally amazing is that software can be destroyed.
If there are no copies, and the software is deleted, it’s gone forever.
you could’t run to the store and pick up a replacement for information that never existed anywhere else.
Troubleshooting a software problem is usually more complex than working through a hardware one.
Hardware glitches are often times straightforwardsomething is broken or not and may need to be replaced.
Most software issues start with an glitch notice or another indication.
It’s here that you should start your troubleshooting process.
Some software is consideredfreeware, meaning it’s free to download and use.
Other kinds of software are better categorized asshareware.
Firmware is just a special kind of software that serves a very narrow purpose for a piece of hardware.
