Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

What is Read-Only Memory (ROM)? 

Read-Only Memory (ROM) 

Definition - What Read-Only Memory 


Read-only memory (ROM) is a type of storage medium that permanently stores data on personal computers (PC)  and other electronic devices. It contains the programming needed to start a PC which is essential for boot up it performs major input or output tasks and holds programs or software instructions.

Because ROM is read-only, it cannot be changed; it is permanent and non-volatile, meaning it also holds its memory even when power is removed. By contrast, random access memory (RAM) is volatile; it is lost when power is removed.


There are numerous ROM chips located on the motherboard and a few on expansion boards. The chips are essential for the basic input or output system boot up, reading and writing to peripheral devices, 

Other types of non-volatile memory list. 


1. Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM)


2. Electrically Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM)


3. Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM)


4.Electrically Alterable Read-Only Memory (EAROM)


Because ROM cannot be changed and is read-only, it is mainly used for Firmware is software programs or sets of instructions that are embedded into a hardware device. It supplies the needed instructions on how a device communicates with various hardware components. Firmware is referred to as semi permanent because it does not change unless it is updated. Firmware includes BIOS, erasable programmable ROM and the ROM configurations for software.

ROM may also be referred to as maskROM (MROM). MaskROM is a read-only memory that is static ROM and is programmed into an integrated circuit by the manufacturer. An example of MROM is the bootloader or solid state ROM- the oldest type of ROM.

Explain (ROM) 



  • ROM is also often used in optical storage media such as various types of compact discs, including read-only memory (CD ROM), compact disc and recordable (CD R) and compact disc rewritable (CD RW).



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