memory modules (DlMMs).
Read-only memory (ROM) is a type of storage medium that
permanently stores data on personal computers (PCs) and other
electronic devices. It contains the programming needed to start a
PC, which is essential for boot-up; it performs major input/output
tasks and holds programs or software instructions.
There are numerous ROM chips located on the motherboard
and a few on expansion boards. The chips are essential for the
basic input/output system (BIOS), boot up, reading and writing to
peripheral devices, basic data management and the software for
basic processes for certain utilities.
Because ROM cannot be changed and is read-only, it is main-
ly used for firmware. Firmware is software programs or sets of
instructions that are embedded into a hardware device. It supplies
the needed instructions on how a device communicates with vari-
ous hardware components. Firmware is referred to as semi-
permanent because it does not change unless it is updated. Firm-
ware includes BIOS, erasable programmable ROM (EPROM) and
the ROM configurations for software.
ROM may also be referred to as maskROM (MROM).
MaskROM is a read-only memory that is static ROM and is
programmed into an integrated circuit by the manufacturer. An
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example of MROM is the bootloader or solid-state ROM, the
oldest type of ROM.
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