Hardware Components of a Computer

  1. ROM (Read-Only Memory) is a small chip that stores a short program called BIOS that runs when the computer “boots” (turns on or restarts): it preps the computer hardware and operating system for the computer to flawlessly launch and work. ROM is non-volatile, and cannot be deleted since it is "read-only" (deleting the contents of the ROM will result in the computer not being able to launch properly.)
    The tiny, black, square ROM chip is located to the south of the CPU chipset and is encircled in the picture in red.

    The ROM chip (encircled in red.) Miriam Briskman, CC BY-NC 4.0.

These notes by Miriam Briskman are licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0 and based on sources.