What's the difference between read-only Memory and random-access Memory? Yes, they both store data, but one is permanent, and the other can be deleted. Read-only Memory, or ROM, is a storage medium that permanently keeps data on personal computers (PCs) and other electronic devices. It doesn't allow you to write new data; instead, it can only be read. ROM is used in computers to store basic information, such as the BIOS (basic input/output system), which controls communication between your computer's hardware components. The BIOS is stored in ROM so that it can be accessed quickly and easily by the computer's processor. The contents of a ROM chip are usually burned onto the chip during manufacturing using an ultraviolet light source or high-voltage hot electrons. ROM is like a book that you can't change. You can read it repeatedly, but you can't change it. RAM is like an empty word document—you can write whatever you want on the page, but when you turn off your computer, all of that work is gone forever. If you're thinking, "wait, my computer's operating system is stored in ROM", then we can see why this might seem confusing! But remember computers are more intelligent than us—they know where to find things they need to know about how they work. For example, asking your computer how many bytes make up your operating system will tell you that number without looking for it. It is because computers keep track of things for us, so we don't have to worry about them ourselves. ROM is a type of Memory that can be read from but not written to. ROM stands for "Read Only Memory," and it's an integral part of computers and other electronic devices. But wait—there's more! ROM may also be referred to as mask Read Only Memory