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But all firmware is software.

Yet the packaging of firmware (without which it wouldn't be firmware) is considered hardware. That's why they call it "firmware" instead of "hardware" or "software" -- they needed a new term since it falls under both sets. But, unless someone is being purposely obstreperous as you are now, people will accept calling firmware either hardware or software depending on the context.

Yet the packaging of firmware (without which it wouldn't be firmware) is considered hardware.

Too bad all the technical definition of the word firmware disagrees with your definition

ALL SOFTWARE - let me repeat - ALL SOFTWARE resides on what is considered hardware. There is no time when software is not "packaged" in hardware. This is just silly now. When Photoshop is on a hard drive - since a hard drive is hardware - we must consider Photoshop to be hardware? Or something in between software and hardware - maybe Shardware?

BTW: Your definition is incorrect. Software on a CD fits the definition of firmware and it is not packages in a PROM but it is still read-only

That's why they call it "firmware" instead of "hardware" or "software" -- they needed a new term since it falls under both sets.

What a silly statement. ALL SOFTWARE is packaged on hardware - not just firmware. Firmware is not at the same level as the terms hardware and software - firmware is a sub-term meaning software stored on read-only hardware. Firmware is a subset of software - firmware is not a group onto itself - that is the error most of you are making.

Yet the packaging of firmware (without which it wouldn't be firmware) is considered hardware or it is firmware is some magic matter that is in-between software and hardware. That's why they call it "firmware" instead of "hardware" or "software" -- they needed a new term since it falls under both sets. But, unless someone is being purposely obstreperous as you are now, people will accept calling firmware either hardware or software depending on the context.

To sum up - you are not even close. Clearly you are "ad-libbing" in a subject of which you only have cursory knowledge

Clue: firmware derives its name from the fact it is read-only not because it is packaged on hardware. All software is packaged on hardware. Firmware is not some mystical stuff that is somewhere between hardware and software - it is software stored in read-only memory. It is not a new group - it is software. Firmware is never ever ever hardware. There is no context when firmware can be called hardware unless the one speaking is Bozo the Clown or a facsimile

Yet the packaging of firmware (without which it wouldn't be firmware)

It is not the "packaging" - it is the fact it is read-only.

software stored in read-only memory = firmware