In
electronic systems and
computing,
firmware[a] is a specific class of computer
software that provides the low-level control for the device's specific
hardware. Firmware can either provide a standardized operating environment for the device's more complex
software (allowing more
hardware-independence), or, for less complex devices, act as the device's complete
operating system, performing all control, monitoring and data manipulation functions. Typical examples of devices containing firmware are
embedded systems, consumer appliances, computers, computer peripherals, and others. Almost all electronic devices beyond the simplest contain some firmware.