ROM images (or ROMs, for short) is used in the context of emulation for a binary file which contains graphics, sounds, and program code. ROM images are usually created so that the software can be run on computer hardware different from the one the software was originally designed for, using emulatorsoftware.
The term's original meaning is "read only memory", a memory type that has often been used to store games and programs for game consoles such as the Nintendo Entertainment System or the Sega Genesis. Illicit distributors of vintage game images also frequently use it to refer to images of CD-ROM and DVD-ROM media, although many consider this technically wrong, preferring the term ISOs.
The question of the legality of distributing and running ROM images is the prime issue between emulation enthusiasts and copyright holders, as many of those images are binary dumps of graphics, sound and program code protected by copyright. Some proponents violating these copyrights make the argument that since many of these games are no longer being sold the company is not being harmed in the process, often making a distant appeal to fair use. The concept of ignoring copyright for old software is often referred to as abandonware.
Some ROMs can be erased and re-programmed multiple times, although they are still referred to as "read only" because the reprogramming process involves relatively infrequent, complete erasure and reprogramming, not the frequent, bit- or word at a time updating that is possible with RAM (random access memory).
The perforated metal character mask ("stencil") in Charactron cathode ray tubes was used as ROM to shape a wide electron beam to form a selected character shape on the screen either for display or overlay on a video signal.
Illegal distribution and trade of these "ROM images" is hugely popular in software piracy circles, where the files are commonly referred to as "roms" (or even "romz", which has a connotation with "warez") even though the term is technically incorrect.
Feeds |
Contact