Definition of ROM

Amiga 1200 Kickstart 3.0 ROM Chips
MOS6502/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
By
David Bolton
David Bolton
Computer Science Expert
  • B.A., Computer Science, Queen's University Belfast
David Bolton is a software developer who has worked for several major firms, including Morgan Stanley, PwC, BAE Systems, and LCH.
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Updated on June 01, 2017

Definition: Read Only Memory (ROM) is computer memory that can permanently store data and applications within it. There are various types of ROM with names like EPROM (Eraseable ROM) or EEPROM (Electrically Eraseable ROM).

Unlike RAM, when a computer is powered down, the contents of the ROM are not lost. EPROM or EEPROM can have their contents rewritten by a special operation. This is called 'Flashing the EPROM' a term that came about because ultra violet light is used to clear the contents of the EPROM.

Random Access Memory or RAM
Read More
History of Computer Memory
By Mary Bellis

Also Known As: Read Only Memory

 

Alternate Spellings: EPROM, EEPROM

Examples: A new version of the BIOS was flashed into the EPROM

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Bolton, David. "Definition of ROM." ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-rom-958317. Bolton, David. (2020, August 26). Definition of ROM. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-rom-958317 Bolton, David. "Definition of ROM." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-rom-958317 (accessed April 20, 2024).