The point is, I can't see a real difference between a ROM chip and a decoder + gates. Electronically they're much the same thing. Physically, to change the program, I have to use a soldering iron. It is _not_ clear to me why one is called firmware and the other called hardware. How about .. Hardware is the physical part(s) of a design that can be seen, touched, crushed, thrown, weighed etc. Firmware is the idea statically implemented in that hardware. Lee. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- This email is intended only for the above named addressee(s). The information contained in this email may contain information which is confidential. The views expressed in this email are personal to the sender and do not in any way reflect the views of the company. If you have received this email and you are not a named addressee please delete it from your system and contact Merlin Communications International IT Department on +44 20 7344 5888. ________________________________________________________________________ This e-mail has been scanned for all viruses by Star Internet. The service is powered by MessageLabs. For more information on a proactive anti-virus service working around the clock, around the globe, visit: http://www.star.net.uk ________________________________________________________________________