Firmware

Can someone tell me what is firmware exactly? I looked it up and found an "explanation" on a Mac site but it was waaay over my head.
I read that it doesn't come with the older models - just the newer ones.
I did a finder search on my eMac 10.2.4 and there is a firmware package but no plugin for it.
I haven't checked my ibook.
I just wanted to know in simple terms what it is and what does it do??
Thanks --

basically it's a set of instructions that tell the hardware how to behave and possibly interact with other hardware. some can be flashed to be upgraded, some can't.

Darn! I suppose this is what you tried with Automator?

tired mhc?

DOH!!! Yes I am...