Read-Only Memory
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read-only memory
[′rēd ¦ōn·lē ′mem·rē] (computer science)
A device for storing data in permanent, or nonerasable, form; usually a static electronic or magnetic device allowing extremely rapid access to data. Abbreviated ROM. Also known as read-only storage.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Read-Only Memory
(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.
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.
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