Concept in Definition ABC

A memory ROM is that memory of storage that allows only the reading of the information and not its destruction, regardless of the presence or not of a source of Energy feed her.

ROM is an acronym in English that refers to the term "Read Only Memory" or "Read Only Memory". It is a semiconductor memory that facilitates the conservation of information that can be read but cannot be destroyed. Unlike a RAM, those data contained in a ROM are not destroyed or lost in case the flow of information is interrupted and that is why it is called "non-volatile memory".

ROM or read-only memories were often used as the primary data storage medium in computers. Because it is a memory that protects the data contained in it, avoiding overwriting them, the ROMs were used to store system configuration information, boot or startup programs, hardware, and other programs that do not require updating constant.

While during the early decades of computers the operating system used to be stored entirely in ROM, currently these systems tend to be stored in newer ones

flash memories.
Previously, there were no efficient alternatives to ROM and if more memory or a update on programs or system, it was often necessary to replace the old memory with a new chip ROM.
Today computers can keep some of their programs in ROM, but flash memory is much more widespread, even in mobile phones and PDA devices.

In addition to computers, video game consoles continue to use ROM-based programs, such as the Nintendo 64, Super Nintendo, or Game Boy.

By velocity usage, the information contained in a ROM memory is usually passed to RAM when it is required for the functioning of the system.

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