Hardware, Firmware & the Operating System (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Computer Science)

Revision Note

Robert Hampton

Written by: Robert Hampton

Reviewed by: James Woodhouse

Hardware, Firmware & the Operating System

How does application software, the operating system and hardware communicate?

  • Application software talks to the operating system, this allows it to interact with the hardware 

  • The hardware processes and sends the information to the operating system which talks directly to the applications software

  • This process is repeated while application software is in use

Diagram showing links between hardware, firmware, operating system and application software

What is firmware?

  • Firmware is embedded directly in to the hardware of a device, to make them function

  • When a computer is turned on, it has to explore the ROM for its initial boot-up instructions, these are contained in a Bootstrap loader 

  • The initial process is handled by the basic input/output system (BIOS) which is known as firmware

  • Once start-up is complete, instructions are sent to RAM to be processed by the operating system 

  • This layer ensures that hardware devices e.g. keyboard and mouse are available and can be communicated directly by the operating system

  • Firmware translates between the hardware and the software

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Robert Hampton

Author: Robert Hampton

Expertise: Computer Science Content Creator

Rob has over 16 years' experience teaching Computer Science and ICT at KS3 & GCSE levels. Rob has demonstrated strong leadership as Head of Department since 2012 and previously supported teacher development as a Specialist Leader of Education, empowering departments to excel in Computer Science. Beyond his tech expertise, Robert embraces the virtual world as an avid gamer, conquering digital battlefields when he's not coding.

James Woodhouse

Author: James Woodhouse

Expertise: Computer Science

James graduated from the University of Sunderland with a degree in ICT and Computing education. He has over 14 years of experience both teaching and leading in Computer Science, specialising in teaching GCSE and A-level. James has held various leadership roles, including Head of Computer Science and coordinator positions for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. James has a keen interest in networking security and technologies aimed at preventing security breaches.