You dont, the firmware is used when you turn the system on.
no not unless u hack the files that run the r4 firmware (which would be v hard)
Many reasons but one is, You may of bricked it by running "flash me" and that deletes the firmware and replaces it. If the system turns off during this is will be beicked.
Yes, with nds/nds lite use game card nds browser, with dsi/dsi xl/and new 3ds update your system and use the browser on the console
you will need an emulator. search ''nds emulator'' without the '' on google and you'll find some
No.
CD/DVD drives and printers use Firmware
Sadly, no i tried to use 3g or 1g firmware on my ipod touch 2g and it didn't work. You have to have the exact firmware file. Like if you have an ipod touch 1g with 2.2.1 firmware you have to have the file made for a 1g itouch that has 2.2.1 firmware
If the firmware update requires you to pay for it (example: 3.0 or 3.1 firmware), then yes, the iTunes gift card can be used to pay for the firmware.
it depends on your psp. for example i am using PSP-2000 which i use firmware 4.01 and for my PSP-3000 i am using firmware 5.03.
no, hopefully someone will minipulate the firmware though no, hopefully someone will minipulate the firmware though
Custom firmware is needed to do it, and if custom firmware is installed on the PSP in use, a plugin can be installed.
Depends what console you use. For NDS "Phat", NDS Lite and NDSi, use www.gameshark.com For other systems, probably the same site, but I only use the Nintendo line.