Which of the following memory is used for storing software that does not need updates?

Question

Which of the following memory is used for storing software that does not need updates?

1. A. Flash memory
2. B. ROM (Correct answer)
3. C. SRAM
4. D. DRAM

Correct Answer

Option B — ROM

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is ROM.

Key Points

• ROM (Read-Only Memory) is used to store firmware — software permanently programmed into hardware that does not need frequent updates (e.g., BIOS).
• Flash memory is used for firmware that needs occasional updates.

Additional Information

• ROM is non-volatile: it retains its contents without power, which is why permanent instructions such as the BIOS live there.
• RAM is volatile working memory, and splits into SRAM (fast, used for cache) and DRAM (denser, used for main memory).
• ROM variants: PROM (programmable once), EPROM (erasable by ultraviolet light) and EEPROM/flash (electrically erasable, which is how firmware is now updated).
• The memory hierarchy runs registers → cache → RAM → secondary storage, getting slower and cheaper per byte at each step.