Data Structure
Networking
RDBMS
Operating System
Java
MS Excel
iOS
HTML
CSS
Android
Python
C Programming
C++
C#
MongoDB
MySQL
Javascript
PHP
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Mathematics
English
Economics
Psychology
Social Studies
Fashion Studies
Legal Studies
- Selected Reading
- UPSC IAS Exams Notes
- Developer's Best Practices
- Questions and Answers
- Effective Resume Writing
- HR Interview Questions
- Computer Glossary
- Who is Who
Difference between Firmware and Operating System
A Firmware is a set of instructions or a block of code that is programmed in hardware devices. It instructs the hardware to perform its function when the call is made. Firmware is present in computers and electronic devices.
Operating system is a software that sits in between the software and hardware of the computer system. It acts as a mediator and provides the interface to interact with them. Operating systems are used in computers, laptops, TV, mobiles, etc.
What is a Firmware?
A Firmware is a small code embedded in the hardware. They are modified software versions. The term firmware was first coined by Ascher Opler in 1967. The main function of the firmware is to direct the hardware to do its task.
Firmware is written in assembly language. It consists of low-level programming code. It is used to perform basic functions. Each and every hardware consists of firmware. Firmware is stored in non-volatile memory.
Firmware can command both primary (main) and secondary memory. At the time of booting, commands are sent to RAM by firmware to access operating system codes and another command is sent to ROM containing a copy of OS code to RAM.
Firmware is stored in ROM which is permanent. Hence once written, their functions can’t be changed. We need to replace it another one in order to update it. Later, firmware is stored in EPROM. Now-a-days flash memory is used to store firmware. They are not permanent. They can be changed or updated.
Same firmware is not used to run on different processors as they perform different tasks. Hence, firmware is specific to its processor.
Firmware is the first thing that is turned on when the system is started. It sends instructions and commands to the hardware. Basic Input / Output system (BIOS) is a firmware. It contains the basic instructions to load hardware. When the computer is switched on, it first performs POST (Power on self -test). This checks whether the hardware is functioning properly or not. Then using bootstrap loader, it loads OS into the RAM memory. It checks whether all the connected hardware components are functioning properly or not. EFI (Extensible firmware interface) is the latest firmware being used.
Firmware is used in both computers and electronic devices. Some of the examples of devices using firmware are computers, mobiles, cameras, ovens, dish washers etc.,
What is an Operating System?
An Operating System or OS is a bridge between the software and underlying hardware. It is the first program that is loaded by BIOS when the computer is turned on. OS is stored in hard disk. It manages the overall components of the computer. OS executes all the other applications in a computer. OS interact with users with the help of CLI or GUI. It allows us to store and share data such as pictures, videos etc.,
It performs high level operations. User can perform number of tasks at the same time. It is involved in file and memory management, input and output operations, and they also control external drivers. Every operating system has two parts – kernel and shell. Kernel interacts with the hardware and performs all the functions whereas shell is the interface between kernel and user. User can access the kernel using shell.
Types of operating systems:
Batch operating system
Time-sharing operating system
Distributed operating system
Network operating system
Real time operating system
The most popular operating systems are Windows, Mac, Android, Unix, and Linux.
Firmware vs Operating System
The following table highlights the major differences between Firmware and Operating System:
Parameter |
Firmware |
Operating System |
|---|---|---|
Definition |
It is a small embedded code present in a particular part of the hardware |
It is a fundamental part of the system and acts as interface between the software and hardware. |
Stored in |
Firmware is stored in ROM |
OS is stored in hard disc |
Language |
It is written in low level languages like assembly language or C language |
It is written in high level programming languages like C, C++, python etc., |
Number of files |
Few files are present as it is only involved in a single task |
A large number of files are present since it performs multiple functions |
Code |
Few lines of code are present which is fixed. It can’t be updated |
It consists of number of lines of code which is flexible. It can be updated |
Program |
It is a small program |
It is large program |
Function |
Its main goal is to direct the hardware to perform its task |
User can control all the hardware components |
Operation |
It performs low level operation |
It performs high level operations |
Examples |
Computers, keyboards, ovens, routers, washing machines are the devices that contain firmware |
Windows, Mac, Android, Apple iOS, Linux, Unix, Ubuntu etc., are all examples of operating system |
Conclusion
Firmware is a subset of a software whose sole purpose is to guide the hardware to perform its task. Operating system is a software that acts as an interface between system’s hardware and software. Firmware is a single purpose program whereas operating system can perform various functions.
451 Views
