Read only memory (ROM) is a non-volatile storage location that holds permanent or semi-permanent data and instructions needed to start up a computer. It contains information that is fixed at manufacture. There are four main types of ROM: masked ROM, which cannot be changed; programmable ROM, which can be programmed once; erasable programmable ROM, which can be erased and reprogrammed using UV light; and electrically erasable programmable ROM, which can be erased and reprogrammed electrically.
Read only memory (ROM) is a non-volatile storage location that holds permanent or semi-permanent data and instructions needed to start up a computer. It contains information that is fixed at manufacture. There are four main types of ROM: masked ROM, which cannot be changed; programmable ROM, which can be programmed once; erasable programmable ROM, which can be erased and reprogrammed using UV light; and electrically erasable programmable ROM, which can be erased and reprogrammed electrically.
- This is a non-volatile storage location that holds data and instructions permanently or semi-permanently that are necessary for starting up the computer when it is switched on. - The information on them is fixed at the time of manufacture and is sometimes described as being hard-wired. - The four main types or variations of ROM depending on the permanence of the instructions or data written on it are: MROM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM. a) Masked read only memory (MROM): - This is a memory which once programmed instructions and data is hardwired on it by the manufacture, it cannot be changed or written over again. b) Programmable read only memory (PROM): - This is a memory that comes as blank having nothing programmed or recorded on it and is programmed by the user (written to) only once using special equipment. c) Erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM): - This is a ROM that can be erased by exposing it to ultra-violet (UV) light and reprogrammed for another use for a number of times. d) Electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) - It’s also called EAROM (electrically alterable read only memory). This is a special type of ROM that can be erased and reprogrammed repeatedly by the user through exposing it to an electrical charge.