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Read Only Memory - ROM

The ROM generally refers to the BIOS ROM. The abbreviation of ROM stands for the Read Only Memory. This means that the data contents of the memory cannot be erased or even modified. The contents can only be read from the memory.

As mentioned earlier the ROM generally refers to the BIOS that is the Basic Input Output System. Basically the controller converts instructions from the software running on the computer to the electrical signals needed to operate the hard disk.

For example to read a sector from the hard disk in to the memory the DOS calls the system BIOS which does the following things:

• Sends parameters to the controller’s input/output port indicating which sector to read.
• Controller steps the head one by one on the tracks until it reaches the correct position
• Waits for the sector to come under the head.
• Reads the pulses representing the encoded information and then converts them into data.
• Performs error checking.
• Write data into the user program’s buffer.

The XT and the AT systems uses different controllers. The XT lacks the BIOS support for a hard disk built into the system ROM. So the XT controllers always contain a ROM which is located at address C800(Hex) to C9FFF(Hex).

Even the ROM may also be called for the memory hardware which allows fast access to the permanently stored data. And prevents any modifications or deletion of the data.

Most of the optical disks are ROM in nature. Although there are even rewritable that is the RW. These disks can be erased and the data can again be written to it. The CD ROM requires a CD writer or a burner to store the data permanently into the disk. The DVD ROM requires a DVD writer for it to burn the data permanently there after.

The usual term ROM that is used is for the chips that can store the data permanently. It is mainly referred for the embedded chips and all.

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