# Update my firmware? Sounds pretty dirty to me **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 29, 2002, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/update-my-firmware-sounds-pretty-dirty-to-me/126074 "2002-08-29T13:03:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otto)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2002, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/update-my-firmware-sounds-pretty-dirty-to-me/126074/1 "2002-08-29T13:03:47Z")
I’m running OS 8.5.1 on my pretty purple iMac and just bought an OS X update on eBay. No manuals or documentation other than what’s on the disks and that mostly refers me to the manuals I don’t have. I can’t install OS X until I install OS 9 (which came with the X) and I can’t install OS 9 until I update my firmware, whatever that even is. The install disks come with a folder called “CD Extras” and according to an error message the firmware updates are there, but othing I can find is called “firmware update” or anything like it. I went to the Apple website but the only firmware updates I can find either give me a message after trying to install of “your system is already updated” or require that I have OS 9 installed. Which of course I can’t do until I update the frippin’ firmware. Apple will apparently try to charge me either $50 or $120 if I call them for technical assistance, and so, dear Dopers, I turn to you. 1. What the hell is firmware? 2. How do I update my firmware to allow me to install OS 9 and then, God willing, OS X? Answer me these questions thre…um, two and I can pretty much guarantee that you’ll be assumed bodily into Heaven come the Rapture. ---
**Author:** ![Horseflesh](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horseflesh/32/7502_2.png) [@Horseflesh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horseflesh)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2002, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/update-my-firmware-sounds-pretty-dirty-to-me/126074/2 "2002-08-29T14:05:53Z")
[Firmware definition.](http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,,sid9_gci212127,00.html) > [@](#): > > Firmware is programming that is inserted into programmable read-only memory (programmable ROM), thus becoming a permanent part of a computing device. Firmware is created and tested like software (using microcode simulation). When ready, it can be distributed like other software and, using a special user interface, installed in the programmable read-only memory by the user. Firmware is sometimes distributed for printers, modems, and other computer devices. > > IBM prefers the term microcode. As it pertains to computers, firmware is commonly referred to as the [BIOS](http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/B/BIOS.html), Or Basic Input/Output System). Firmware is just like software except it resides on a programmable chip. If you have a flash BIOS is means that the firmware resides on a flash memory chip and can be updated, which is what you’re trying to do. I’m not familiar with Mac firmware updating, but most PC’s are updated with a floppy disk program that flashes the BIOS. IIRC, iMacs don’t have a floppy disk drive so I’m guessing you either flash by booting from CD or run the firmware update within the O/S itself. Oh, never mind, [Apple answers that question](http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60385&SaveKCWindowURL=http%3A%2F%2Fkbase.info.apple.com%2Fcgi-bin%2FWebObjects%2Fkbase.woa%2Fwa%2FSaveKCToHomePage&searchMode=Expert&kbhost=kbase.info.apple.com&showButton=false&randomValue=100&showSurvey=true&sessionID=anonymous%7C146818926). If you still run into problems you might try a Mac-centric message board like the[Mac Night Owl Discussion Board](http://pub4.ezboard.com/bmacnightowlmessageboard). If you can bodily assume me into the rapture of Winona Ryder I would be most appreciative.