Term of the Moment
Definition: ROM
(1) Firmware for an Android phone. See Android ROM.
(2) (Read Only Memory) A memory chip that permanently stores instructions and data. Also known as "mask ROM," its content is created in the last masking stage of the chip manufacturing process and cannot be changed. Stand-alone ROM chips and a ROM bank in microcontrollers are used to hold control routines for myriad applications. ROMs were also widely used to hold the BIOS in early PCs as well as plug-in cartridges for video games. See microcontroller.
ROMs Are Secure
Unlike flash memory, which can be updated, the data in ROM chips cannot be tampered with. If encryption keys and other security codes are stored in a ROM, they cannot be altered unless the chip is physically replaced (see secure boot). See ROM BIOS, memory types, RAM, EEPROM and flash memory.
ROMs Are Everywhere
(2) (Read Only Memory) A memory chip that permanently stores instructions and data. Also known as "mask ROM," its content is created in the last masking stage of the chip manufacturing process and cannot be changed. Stand-alone ROM chips and a ROM bank in microcontrollers are used to hold control routines for myriad applications. ROMs were also widely used to hold the BIOS in early PCs as well as plug-in cartridges for video games. See microcontroller.
ROMs Are Secure
Unlike flash memory, which can be updated, the data in ROM chips cannot be tampered with. If encryption keys and other security codes are stored in a ROM, they cannot be altered unless the chip is physically replaced (see secure boot). See ROM BIOS, memory types, RAM, EEPROM and flash memory.
Cartridges that contain nothing more than a ROM chip are used to hold games and educational programs. The yellow ROM cartridge in this image (bottom right) contains a program for the LeapPad Learning System for preschoolers.