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Firmware

Firmware is the base logic for running different hardware applications. In comparison to software, which is created typically for multiple pieces of hardware and serves an extending function, firmware is designed to implement the basic functions of hardware. Firmware creates rules by which hardware is powered, and the primary advantage with creating firmware rather than simply coding the hardware directly through integrated circuits is that firmware can be upgraded, allowing new hardware functions to be performed, or previous hardware functions to be performed more efficiently or effectively.

Firmware is common in many modern personal technology devices, like Blu-ray players, whose firmware version determines which movies can be played back, and with networking hardware devices like routers and wireless access points. Some hobbiests have even taken to hacking firmware, to extend hardware functionality with ways not previously intended by the original manufacturer. For instance, the RockBox project adds many open-source audio formats to Apple's iPod, and other portable media players.

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