- "Software" is a broad term that is used to describe electronic programming. It stems from the fact that the programming is designed to be run on a physical product, otherwise known as "hardware." The most common use of the word "software" is to describe programs operated on cell phones and computers, although any program on an electronic device can be considered software.
- The term "software" is generally associated with computer programs these days, whether they're video games, presentation programs, systems to organize your music collection, or just about anything else done on a computer. However, as cell phones have continued to evolve, the term "software" is being used more often to describe applications and programs installed and operated on advanced smart phones.
- Firmware, while similar to software, is designed to provide permanently stored and un-editable instructions for a specific electronic device. In short, firmware is what causes your computer, television, modem (and more) to run. While some software tends to be updated on a regular basis, firmware tends to see far fewer updates over time. Firmware tells your hardware how to interface with your computer or operating system, while software tells your computer how to interface with you.
- Updates for software are released regularly through the implementation of patches, designed to fix bugs, deliver enhancements, or simply tweak existing features of a program. As such, it's common for software to be updates multiple times per year, especially when the software is new. Conversely, updates for firmware tend to be a bit less common, and usually only come out as a result of technological advancement, or the discovery of major incompatibility issues and faults within existing firmware. If you would like to upgrade a particular piece of software or firmware, it's best to consult the manufacturer of the product, and see whether an update is available.
Software
Common Software
Firmware
When to Upgrade
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