What Is The Definition For Read Only Memory?

Random access memory allows data to be read and write on it. But read only memory which is also a form of silicon chips is such a memory from which information can only be read but it cannot be over-written. Some important programs such as operating system are stored on into the read only memory when the memory chip is being manufactured so that they are stored permanently. These programs become available for use as soon as the computer is switched on. In fact programs such as BASIC language interpreter and operating system are burnt into read only memory and then installed into the computer.

There are several types of read only memories one of them is programmable read only memory and it is called PROM is such a memory in which a program is written into the chip during assembly of the computer and not during the manufacturing of the chip. Another type of read only memory is called EPROM which is erasable programmable read only memory. The contents of the EPROM can be erased by exposing it to ultraviolet light and it can then be used for storing another program before the advent of silicon technology the memory units were made from magnetic materials. These memory or storage devices were called magnetic cores.

Read only memory is the memory which can only be read and can not be edited such as CD-ROM .