What does ROM stand for? ROM stands for Read Only Memory. It is a type of fixed data storage device which is manufactured with fixed contents. It refers to computer memory chips which contains permanent or semi permanent pre-recorded programs. It is a non-volatile memory, in other words, even after shutting down and restarting the computer, the contents remain available.
It helps to hold information each time the computer starts up so the computer can check its hardware and loads its operating system into the RAM, RAM stands for Random Access Memory. When we refer to ROM on a computer, we usually refer to its mask type which is the oldest type of its kind. It is unable to be modified and the desired data is permanently stored in it. Ever since it was first invented in 1956, it has since made modifications to it. Take for example the EPROM which stands for erasable read-only memory and the EEPROM, which stands for electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, both of which are able to be modified. The EPROM can be erased by exposing it to strong ultraviolet rays for more than 10minutes and can be rewritten over by accessing higher than usual voltage. These chips can typically be used for about 1000 cycles but may be deemed useless after the number of cycles has reached its limit. The EEPROM on the other hand is similar in structure to that of the EPROM but more convenient in a sense that its contents can be both erased and rewritten electrically.
The mask form has been used to back up storage due to its inability to be modified. Nowadays, the flash form is widely used as a medium for mass storage or as a secondary storage of files. It is called flash memory, a modern modified version of the EEPROM. The flash drive is widely used by almost everyone and is slowly replacing the older forms and as of 2007, has reached a capacity as high as 32 GB.
There are two types of speeds when referring to read only memory, the reading and writing speed. The reading speed refers to obtaining the data on the drive and using it to work the computer. The writing speed can only be applied to the newer forms, not including the mask form mainly because it is a process where data is written over the memory.
In short, the read only memory stores the BIOS, a firmware, which is neither hardware nor software and is in between. The ROM acts almost like the security check in an airport where everything has to go through a check. The same thing applies to a ROM on a computer because any program has to go through a routine in order for it to access a hardware component of any kind.
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