What is ROM

by Yogi P - September 3, 2023

If you are tech-savvy, more often than not, you must already know what the acronym ‘ROM’ stands for. ROM stands for Read-Only Memory, an integral part of every computer today. Though the term is used in a variety of computer systems today, its actual use is often misunderstood.

So, what is ROM and what role does it play in a computer’s overall operation? Well, in simple terms, ROM acts as a permanent storage area for instructions that the processor works with. It stores “firmware” necessary to boot the system, as well as basic instructions on how the processor should carry out certain operations.

ROM is responsible for loading a few essential programs and instructions on startup, without which the computer will not be able to run. Some of the most commonly used ROM types include PROM, EPROM and EEPROM. Each one of them is unique in its own way.

PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory) cannot be erased and is used for booting the computer when the power is switched on.

EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) can be written to and erased using ultraviolet light. It can be used more than once and is used for storing data that needs to be rewritten regularly.

EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) can be erased using electricity. This memory is useful for more complicated tasks where data needs to be erased and rewritten frequently.

ROM is an integral part of any computer and without it; the computer will not be able to function properly. It helps the processor understand the instructions written in the ROM and execute them accurately.

So, the ROM full form is Read Only Memory, which is the most integral part of any computer system and helps in the functioning of the complete computer system.