[Last Visible Dog]

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

[antiRepublicrat]

. Clearly you are "ad-libbing" in a subject of which you only have cursory knowledge

Except that I used to program EPROMs.

Clue: firmware derives its name from the fact it is read-only ... It is not the "packaging" - it is the fact it is read-only. ... software stored in read-only memory = firmware

Yet I updated my Linksys firmware last week with a couple clicks of a mouse button. Read-only? I think not.

[N3WBI3]

"Clue: firmware derives its name from the fact it is read-only ... It is not the "packaging""

So a CD-ROM is firmware?

[js1138]

software stored in read-only memory = firmware

So when my CD burner manufacturer says the firmware can be upgraded via a download, they are lying? Or my firewall/router?