You don't have to be a computer illiterate to use a Mac, but it helps.
Nice of you not to print all the definitions
Hint: don't use the American Heritage Dictionary to find a definition of a technical term - use a dictionary focused on the technology:
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firmware
Software stored in read-only memory (ROM) or programmable ROM
(PROM). Easier to change than hardware but harder than
software stored on disk. Firmware is often responsible for
the behaviour of a system when it is first switched on. A
typical example would be a "monitor" program in a
microcomputer which loads the full operating system from disk
or from a network and then passes control to it.
| Source: The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing, © 1993-2004 Denis Howe |
firmware
/ferm'weir/ n. Embedded software contained in EPROM
or flash memory. It isn't quite hardware, but at least doesn't have
to be loaded from a disk like regular software. Hacker usage differs
from straight techspeak in that hackers don't normally apply it to
stuff that you can't possibly get at, such as the program that runs
a pocket calculator. Instead, it implies that the firmware could be
changed, even if doing so would mean opening a box and plugging in a
new chip. A computer's BIOS is the classic example, although
nowadays there is firmware in disk controllers, modems, video cards
and even CD-ROM drives.
| Source: Jargon File 4.2.0 |
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Firmware
Software (programs or data) that has been written onto read-only memory (ROM). Firmware is a combination of software and hardware. ROMs, PROMs and EPROMs that have data or programs recorded on them are firmware.
The only online dictionary and search engine you need for computer and Internet technology definitions.
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firmware
Software stored in ROM or PROM; essential programs that remain even when the system is turned off.Firmware is easier to change than hardware but more permanent than software stored on disk.
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Firmware
Software stored in read-only memory (ROM) or programmable ROM (PROM). Easier to change than hardware but harder than software stored on disk. Firmware is often responsible for the behaviour of a system when it is first switched on. A typical example would be a "monitor" program in a microcomputer which loads the full operating system from disk or from a network and then passes control to it.
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firmware
A category of memory chips that hold their content without electrical power and include ROM, PROM, EPROM and EEPROM technologies. Firmware becomes "hard software" when holding program code.
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firmware
System software written onto read-only memory (ROM), it is a combination of software and hardware. ROMs, PROMs, and EPROMs are considered firmware if they have data or programs recorded on them.
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(now this one might leave a mark)
Open Firmware
The software firmware implemented on current Macintosh computers follows the standard defined by the Open Firmware IEEE 1274-1994 specification.
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BTW: I don't think you even understand what software is:
The definition of firmware you posted: Computer programming instructions
The definition of software: Computer instructions or data.
Like I said: You don't have to be a computer illiterate to use a Mac, but it helps.