Firmware

From CyanogenMod Wiki

In consumer electronics, firmware generally consists of the programs that internally control various electronic devices.

Some examples of devices containing firmware range from end-user products such as remote controls or calculators.

Firmware typically resides in ROM (or EPROM or flash memory), and these terms are often used interchangeably.

Firmware can be updated (or "flashed") to fix bugs or add features to the device. Doing so usually involves loading an image file (provided by the manufacturer or an aftermarket modder) onto the device, following a specific procedure commonly referred to as "flashing" (in reference to flash memory.

Updating the firmware or one device onto another device will often render the device unusable. Also, following the updating procedure incorrectly may also render the the device unusable.

A device rendered unusable by the wrong firmware, or a failed update is often referred to as a "brick", and warnings of "bricking" your device often accompany firmware upgrade instructions.