What does ROM stand for, and what is its primary function?

The term ROM stands for Read-Only Memory, which indicates that the data stored in this type of memory is not intended to be easily altered or overwritten. Its primary function is to hold the instructions necessary for the startup of a computer, often referred to as the firmware. This includes the basic input/output system (BIOS) or bootloader, which initializes hardware components during the boot process and loads the operating system from a storage device into RAM.

The other options provided present misunderstandings about the nature of ROM. While the first option mentions storing temporary data, that characteristic aligns more closely with Random Access Memory (RAM), not ROM. The second option states "Read-once Memory," which is not a recognized term in computer science; ROM is about data not being rewritten frequently, not simply read just once. Lastly, the choice that suggests ROM manages system processes misrepresents its role, as system processes are typically handled by RAM and the operating system rather than being managed by ROM. Thus, the correct answer highlights the critical function of ROM in the computing foundational process.