What is Firmware and Kernel ?
Previouly we have used Firmware and Kernel both so lets understand indepth difference.
Firmware
Firmware is a type of software that is stored on a hardware component, typically on a chip or flash memory directly attached to a piece of hardware. It is one of the lowest-level software components in a computer system.
Firmware is responsible for initializing and controlling the hardware components it is associated with. It acts as a bridge between the hardware and the higher-level software, like the operating system.
Firmware is specific to the hardware it is designed for. For example, you might have firmware for your motherboard, hard drive, or graphics card. Each piece of hardware can have its firmware.
Firmware typically handles tasks such as hardware initialization, low-level control of devices, and sometimes even basic diagnostic and maintenance functions. It ensures that the hardware components are operational when the computer starts.
Firmware updates are relatively infrequent and often require specialized tools or procedures. Updating firmware carries some risk, and it’s essential to follow manufacturer instructions carefully.
Example of firmware
- BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) on a motherboard.
- Firmware on network cards, storage devices, and peripheral devices.
- Microcode updates for the CPU.
Kernel
The kernel is part of the operating system and resides in system memory (RAM). It is a higher-level software component than firmware, sitting between the hardware and user-level software.
The kernel manages hardware resources, provides abstractions to applications, and acts as an intermediary between user-level programs and the hardware. It controls hardware access, scheduling of tasks, and memory management.
The kernel is designed to be hardware-independent to allow the same operating system to run on different hardware platforms. It provides a standardized interface to hardware for applications
The kernel handles multitasking, memory allocation, file system management, device driver interaction, and more. It forms the core of the operating system and facilitates communication between applications and hardware.
Kernel updates are more frequent than firmware updates and are distributed through software update mechanisms provided by the operating system or distribution. They often include bug fixes, security patches, and new features.
Examples of kernel
- The Linux kernel (in Linux-based operating systems).
- The Windows NT kernel (in Windows operating systems).
- The macOS kernel (in Apple’s macOS).
So , now we are able to understand kernel and firmware.
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