firmware

noun

Software stored permanently inside a device that controls its basic hardware functions.

Example sentences

“Updating the router's firmware fixed the connection problem.”
“The camera's new firmware adds support for faster autofocus.”

Named as a middle ground between hardware and software. Mostly seen in the phrase 'firmware update' for routers, printers, and other devices.

Related words

malwareComputer programs created to do harm or act against the user's wishes.protocolAn agreed set of rules for sending and receiving data, especially between computers on a network.spywareSoftware that secretly watches what someone does on a computer and passes the information on to others.domainThe name of a website that people type into a browser, such as 'example.com'; also called a domain name.virusA tiny germ, much smaller than bacteria, that gets into living cells and causes diseases such as colds and flu.hyperlinkA piece of text or an image on a screen that you can click to open another page or start an action.