What is firmware?

[Windows Central Question]

Can someone explain firmware to me? Is that the OS that is downloaded and run on a phone, laptop etc? I see news articles about firmware, but gimme a break I'm a newbie. I need a definition lol

 

[Guytronic]

Can someone explain firmware to me? Is that the OS that is downloaded and run on a phone, laptop etc? I see news articles about firmware, but gimme a break I'm a newbie. I need a definition lol

Firmware in a nutshell is sort of an embedded OS or "instruction set" used for simple electronic devices.
A procedure called "flashing" is used to update or change how firmware reacts with built in features.

If you've heard of the "bios" in a computer that's firmware.