A system embodiment comprises a nonvolatile memory device, a memory, and a controller. The nonvolatile memory device includes a plurality of nonvolatile memory cells. Each nonvolatile memory cell is adapted to store at least two bits. The memory is adapted to store a program when the system powers up. The controller is adapted to implement the program to provide instructions used to program and erase nonvolatile memory cells. A method embodiment comprises loading a program into memory upon powering up a memory system, and implementing the program using a controller, including programming and erasing multi-bit nonvolatile memory cells.