Firmware, 'software kept in semi-permanent memory. Firmware is used in conjunction with hardware and software. It also shares the characteristics of both. Firmware is usually stored on PROMs (Programmable Read-Only Memory) or EPROMs (Electrical PROMs). Firmware contains software which is so constantly called upon by a computer or phone system that it is 'burned' into a chip, thereby becoming firmware. The computer program is written into the PROM electrically at higher-than-usual voltage, causing the bits to 'retain' the pattern as it is 'burned in'. Firmware is non-volatile. It will not be 'forgotten' when the power is shut off. Handheld calculators contain firmware with the instructions for doing their various mathematical operations. Firmware programs can be altered. An EPROM is typically erased using intense ultraviolet light', Newton's Telecom dictionary. C.C.E. v. Acer India Ltd., (2004) 8 SCC 173 (182).
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