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firmware_basics_procedures [2022/02/20 17:10] – [What is Firmware and what do all those Terms Mean?] there is no frequency to firmware updates - security risk not upgrading djk44883 | firmware_basics_procedures [2022/02/20 17:32] – [What is Firmware and what do all those Terms Mean?] NVRAM is the part of...|added Fresh to Tomato djk44883 | ||
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Firmware is " | Firmware is " | ||
- | === Why flash firmware? | + | === Why flash firmware? === |
Flashing firmware is usually done to fix bugs, improve stability or add new features to the device. In the case of FreshTomato, | Flashing firmware is usually done to fix bugs, improve stability or add new features to the device. In the case of FreshTomato, | ||
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On routers, firmware is stored in a type of non-volatile memory called Flash RAM. The contents of non-volatile memory such as Flash RAM remain after reboots or when the device is turned off. If they were erased, the device would not function. On routers, firmware is replaced or updated by uploading the entire image of the operating system installation and its programs to an EEPROM (electrically erasable and writable) chip. | On routers, firmware is stored in a type of non-volatile memory called Flash RAM. The contents of non-volatile memory such as Flash RAM remain after reboots or when the device is turned off. If they were erased, the device would not function. On routers, firmware is replaced or updated by uploading the entire image of the operating system installation and its programs to an EEPROM (electrically erasable and writable) chip. | ||
- | Again, this is vaguely similar to reformatting and reinstalling the entire operating system on a PC. However, during the firmware flashing process, files are not copied one at a time onto a filesystem. Instead, one single image file that contains the entire installation is copied to the router' | + | Again, this is vaguely similar to reformatting and reinstalling the entire operating system on a PC. However, during the firmware flashing process, files are not copied one at a time onto a filesystem. Instead, one single image file that contains the entire installation is copied to the router' |
=== What's an Image? === | === What's an Image? === | ||
- | We refer to the files used to flash Tomato | + | We refer to the files used to flash FreshTomato |
=== What's a Build? === | === What's a Build? === | ||
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=== What's NVRAM and why should I erase it before and after flashing? === | === What's NVRAM and why should I erase it before and after flashing? === | ||
- | NVRAM is the form of non-volatile memory in routers where settings and parameters are stored. | + | NVRAM is the part of non-volatile memory in routers where settings and parameters are stored. |
- | Tomato | + | FreshTomato |
=== What's a "Dirty Flash" and why should I avoid doing one? === | === What's a "Dirty Flash" and why should I avoid doing one? === |