Read-Only Memory, or ROM, is a type of non-volatile storage that is used primarily in computers and other electronic devices. Unlike RAM, which loses its data when powered off, ROM retains its information even without power, making it essential for storing firmware and system software. Typically, ROM is used to hold the instructions that boot up a computer or device, ensuring that the system can start correctly. It is programmed during manufacturing and cannot be modified or written to easily, which helps protect critical data from accidental changes or corruption.