ROM image

A rom is a term in emulation for a binary file which contains graphics, sounds, and program code. Rom files are usually created so that the file can be run on different computer hardware, usually using emulator software, from which the rom file was origionally designed.

The term for roms likely comes from ROM, or read only memory, a memory type that is often used to store games and programs for game councils like nintendo or sega genesis.

The question of the legality of running and copying roms is a prime issue. This is so since many roms are binary dumps of graphics, sound and program code which is copyrighted. Some proponents who break rom copyrights make the arguement that since many of these games are no longer being sold the company is not being harmed in the process. The concept of breaking copyright for old software is often refered to as abandonware.

See Also

• List of emulators
• Console emulator
• in-circuit emulator
• binary translation
• fan translation
• virtual machine