ROM (Read Only Memory) MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This is an online MCQ quiz for Class IX Computer Applications (Code 165), from Unit 1: Basics of Information Technology. The topic is ROM (Read Only Memory), covering concepts like non-volatile memory, firmware, and various examples and uses of ROM. Attempt all questions and click ‘Submit Quiz’ to see your score and download a PDF of your answers.
Understanding ROM (Read-Only Memory)
Read-Only Memory (ROM) is a type of computer memory that stores data permanently. Unlike RAM (Random Access Memory), which is volatile, ROM is non-volatile, meaning it retains its contents even when the power is turned off. This makes it ideal for storing essential software that the computer needs to start up and function correctly.
Key Characteristics of ROM
- Non-volatile: The information stored in ROM is not lost when the power is switched off. This is its most crucial feature.
- Read-Only: As the name suggests, the data in most types of ROM is either impossible or very difficult to modify. It is primarily for reading.
- Stores Firmware: ROM is used to store firmware, which is a type of software that provides low-level control for a device’s specific hardware.
What is Firmware?
Firmware is a permanent software program etched into a hardware device’s read-only memory. It provides the basic instructions for how the device communicates with other computer hardware. A classic example is the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) on a computer’s motherboard, which is stored in a ROM chip. The BIOS initializes the hardware during the booting process and gets the operating system running.
Types of ROM
While the name suggests “read-only,” some types of ROM have evolved to be programmable. Here is a brief overview:
| Type | Full Form | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| MROM | Masked Read-Only Memory | Programmed by the manufacturer during production. Cannot be changed. |
| PROM | Programmable Read-Only Memory | Can be programmed once by the user using a special device. |
| EPROM | Erasable Programmable ROM | Can be erased by exposing it to strong ultraviolet (UV) light and then reprogrammed. |
| EEPROM | Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM | Can be erased and reprogrammed electrically, without removing it from the device. Flash memory is a type of EEPROM. |
Examples and Uses of ROM
- Computer BIOS/UEFI: Stores the startup instructions for a computer.
- Embedded Systems: Found in appliances like washing machines, microwaves, and digital watches to control their operation.
- Game Consoles: Game cartridges for older consoles used ROM to store the game data.
- Calculators and Peripherals: Simple devices use ROM to store their operating instructions.
Quick Revision Points
- ROM is non-volatile memory.
- It stores permanent instructions called firmware.
- BIOS is a common example of firmware stored in ROM.
- Types include MROM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM.
- EEPROM can be erased and reprogrammed electrically, making it more flexible.
Extra Practice Questions
- What is the primary difference between RAM and ROM?
- Why is the BIOS stored in ROM instead of RAM?
- Which type of ROM is most commonly used in modern devices for firmware updates (like in a smartphone)?
- If a device’s settings are retained even after being unplugged for a week, what kind of memory is likely storing them?
- Can you write new data to an MROM chip after it has been manufactured? Why or why not?
