|
ROM read-only memory ROM is a storage chip that typically contains hardwired instructions for use when a computer starts (boots up). The instructions--contained in a small program called the BIOS (basic input/output system)--load from ROM and start up the hard disk so that the operating system (OS) can be loaded and the whole shooting match can begin. Some ROM chips can be updated with new BIOS instructions--but unless you hear them called EEPROMs or flash BIOSs, the likelihood is, they can't be. |