Firmware and software are two essential components of any electronic device. Firmware is a type of software that is embedded in a hardware device, such as a computer or a smartphone. It is responsible for controlling the basic functions of the device, such as how it starts up, how it interacts with the user, and how it communicates with other devices. Software, on the other hand, is a set of instructions that tells the device how to perform specific tasks. It can be installed on the device or run from a removable storage device, such as a USB drive or a CD-ROM.
One of the key differences between firmware and software is that firmware is typically stored in a non-volatile memory, such as a ROM chip. This means that it is not lost when the device is turned off or reset. Software, on the other hand, is typically stored in a volatile memory, such as RAM. This means that it is lost when the device is turned off or reset.