Hardware vs. Firmware — What's the Difference?

Metal goods and utensils such as locks, tools, and cutlery.

In computing, firmware is a specific class of computer software that provides the low-level control for a device's specific hardware. Firmware, such as the BIOS of a personal computer, may contain only elementary basic functions of a device and may only provide services to higher-level software.

(Computers) A computer and the associated physical equipment directly involved in the performance of data-processing or communications functions.

Software stored in a computer's ROM.

Machines and other physical equipment directly involved in performing an industrial, technological, or military function.

(computing) Something in between hardware and software. Like software, it is created from source code, but it is closely tied to the hardware it runs on.

(Informal) Weapons, especially military weapons.

Software intended for such embedded computer applications.

Fixtures, equipment, tools and devices used for general-purpose construction and repair of a structure or object. Also such equipment as sold as stock by a store of the same name, e.g. hardware store.

(computer science) coded instructions that are stored permanently in read-only memory

(informal) Equipment.

(computing) The part of a computer that is fixed and cannot be altered without replacement or physical modification; motherboard, expansion cards, etc. Compare software.

(technology) Electronic equipment.

Metal implements.

(slang) A firearm.

(slang) Medals or trophies.

(Philippines) hardware store

Ware made of metal, as cutlery, kitchen utensils, and the like; ironmongery.

Any of the physical objects used in carrying out an activity, in contrast to the knowledge, skill, or theory required to perform the activity; mostly used collectively.

The sum of all the physical objects, such as the electrical, mechanical, and electronic devices which comprise a computer system; as, the typical PC hardware suite consists of a mainboard and a number of peripherals such as hard drives and speakers, connected by adapter cards, but the input and output from users occurs mostly through the keyboard and monitor; contrasted with software, the programs executed by the computer.

The weapons, transport, and other physical objects used in conducting a war.

Weapons, especially handguns, carried on the person; as, check your hardware at the door before entering.

Major items of military weaponry (as tanks or missile)

Instrumentalities (tools or implements) made of metal

(computer science) the mechanical, magnetic, electronic, and electrical components making up a computer system