What is ROM?

While most computers user know what RAM does, or at least understand why it is important, few know what ROM is or what it does. ROM, read-only memory, is part of your computer's firmware make-up. It basically is an integrated set of data on your motherboard. ROM is found in computers and most electronic devices on the market.

There are five types of ROM: ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM and flash memory. Flash memory might be the most familiar to consumers, as it is used in many types of flash drives and MP3 players. Despite the type of ROM, each has some standard characteristics. First, all data store on these memory chipsets are non-volatile. Non-volatile memory means that even when there is no power source connected to the device, they do not lose their data or configurations. Second, these chips cannot be altered. Once the information is on it, that is that, that is why it is called read-only memory.

ROM helps a computer or device utilize areas of memory in a read-only format that makes things easier on the overall motherboard. Since there are millions of commands being sent through different components of the computer at a given time, having ROM helps certain functions always run no matter what a computer is doing. This type of memory means that these services do not fail, and you do not lose out on interacting with your system. Without ROM, certain functions would have to be recreated every time you turned your system on.

Understanding the different components of your system help you gain an appreciation for all the things it does you take for granted. ROM is one of those little known components that is taken for granted by everyone. ROM may run in the background, under the radar, but without it, the way you use your computer would be entirely different than what you know now.