4.2.4

Memory - ROM

Test yourself

Read Only Memory

Read Only Memory (ROM) is another type of main memory found in computers. It comes on a small, factory made chip in the motherboard. Features of ROM include:

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Non-volatile

  • ROM is non-volatile.
  • This means that ROM keeps its contents when power is lost.
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Read only

  • ROM is often made from flash memory. This means that its contents cannot be changed easily.
  • This means that the ROM only stores small programs that boots or starts up the computer.
  • These programs are called the Basic Input Output System (BIOS). They usually:
    • Load an operating system.
    • Check the system for errors.
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Fast but expensive

  • ROM is very fast to access.
  • ROM is typically expensive, so tends to be only small.

Jump to other topics

1Problem Solving

2Programming

3Data

4Computers

5Communication & The Internet

6The Bigger Picture

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