Many types of peripherals and handheld devices rely on firmware, internal software often contained on chips rather than magnetic media. In some cases, you can update this software by "flashing" your device -- connecting it to your computer and uploading a new version of the operating system. However, should something go wrong during the process, it could render your device unresponsive, known as "bricking" it.
Firmware
Firmware is the operating system that makes a handheld device or peripheral work. The term comes from the fact that originally, manufacturers hard-coded this type of software into read-only memory chips, bridging the gap between hardware and software. At the time of publication, many manufacturers use reprogrammable memory to store firmware, allowing them to release periodic updates to the program to offer new and updated functionality.
Flashing
Flashing is the process of updating the firmware of an electronic device; the process got its name because it involves wiping and completely overwriting the programmable memory. In most cases, the process requires connecting the device to your PC, downloading an updated firmware image from the manufacturer and running a special program to wipe and reprogram the device. Since the storage area dedicated to firmware programs is usually small, this procedure usually takes only a few minutes to complete. However, any interruption of the flashing process can have serious consequences, and you should always follow the instructions from the manufacturer carefully.
Bricking
If something interrupts the flashing process -- such as a power outage, disconnection, or other error -- it may leave the device's memory in an unstable state and render it unusable. If this happens, the device is "bricked." The term comes from the fact that most devices that suffer this kind of malfunction are, at that point, useful for nothing more than taking up space. Malware can also brick a device by overwriting the firmware with random or otherwise incorrect data. You may also inadvertently turn your hardware into a brick by overwriting the firmware with an incorrect update, so always be sure that you use the correct update for your device.
What to Do
Fortunately, many manufacturers include a backup version of the firmware in non-rewritable memory. Check your owner's manual to see if there is a "factory reset" procedure which will restore this backup and bring your device back to life. If no such option exists, you may be able to re-flash the memory with the correct firmware; this may or may not restore proper function, depending on the amount of damage. In extreme cases, incorrectly flashed firmware may require you to return the device to the manufacturer for repair.
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