<storage> (ROM) A type of data storage device which is
manufactured with fixed contents. In its most general sense,
the term might be used for any storage system whose contents
cannot be altered, such as a gramophone record or a printed
book; however, the term is most often applied to
semiconductor integrated circuit memories, of which there
are several types, and CD-ROM.
ROM is inherently non-volatile storage - it retains its
contents even when the power is switched off, in contrast to
RAM.
ROM is often used to hold programs for embedded systems
since these usually have a fixed purpose. ROM is also used
for storage of the lowest level bootstrap software
(firmware) in a computer.
See also Programmable Read-Only Memory.
(1995-05-09)
Nearby terms:
re « read-eval-print loop « README file « Read-Only Memory » read-only user » real » RealAudio
