How Slang

The ROM is the storage medium of programs or data that enable the proper functioning of computers or electronic devices through reading information and may not be destroyed or reprogrammable. The meaning of ROM is “Read Only Memory” or “Read-only memory” according to ABBREVIATIONFINDER.ORG.

ROM is known as non-volatile memory since the information contained in it is not erasable when the electronic device is turned off.

The ROM is installed on the motherboard “motherboard” where the basic information of the computer, called “BIOS.”

The oldest ROM is the MROM stores indestructible data and for the update of the software or data it is necessary to replace the chip which can not be done by anyone but an expert or the same manufacturer, with technological advances few programs are stored in the ROM since most of them are in the new ROMs; Erasable Programmable Memory Read Only Memory (EPROM) is a reprogrammable and erasable memory through strong ultraviolet rays, and Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (FLASH EEPROM) can be reprogrammable, erasable and allows the content to be altered through signals electric.

Since 2007 it is very difficult to find devices with ROM memory since reprogrammable devices are more flexible and economical.

What is ROM memory for?

ROM memory is of the utmost importance for the proper functioning of computers and electronic devices since, when the ROM is turned on, it allows the initial program to start up, which will lead to the initiation of the entire system.

The ROM memory is used to store firmware programs, that is, to store operating system programs, language interpreters, control programs (turn on the computer); program information tables (numerical usage tables); and other programs that do not need to be modified or constantly updated.

ROM memory and RAM

The information contained in the ROM is not erasable when the computer is turned off or when the power is cut off, which is why it is called non-volatile memory, while the information contained in the RAM or volatile memory is erasable and can be get lost if the user does not record the information on the computer, for example: when we write in Word, the information must be saved.

The RAM is faster for reading than the ROM, which is why the information contained in the ROM is normally transferred to the RAM.

The RAM is random access since the information remains recorded in the electronic device and its rapid access is possible.