What type of information is stored in Read Only Memory (ROM)?

Read Only Memory (ROM) is a type of non-volatile storage that is primarily used to store firmware, which includes the basic operating instructions necessary for the hardware to boot up and function. Unlike other types of memory, such as RAM, the data in ROM is not meant to be modified during regular operation and contains essential code that the system needs to start and run. This typically includes the system's BIOS or UEFI, which initializes hardware at startup and provides a runtime environment for various functions.

By storing basic operating instructions, ROM ensures that these critical components are preserved even when the power is turned off, enabling the computer or device to boot consistently and reliably. Other types of information, such as user files and applications, are stored on different storage mediums like hard drives or SSDs, while temporary system data is usually held in RAM. System updates, on the other hand, typically replace or augment software in read/write memory rather than in ROM.