Modern-Tech Jargon Buster - ROM

ROM - (used to be a hardware term for Read Only Memory) - Nowadays it is also used to refer to the software or files that make up the Operating System of your smartphone or tablet.

The operating system (OS) is the files or instructions that allows the hardware to work and you to be able to interact or use the device among other things.  If there isn't an OS loaded on the device the device would be as useful as a stone.

You may sometimes hear persons say, "I have a new Android 4.0 ROM to try out."  They simply mean that they have a new (version of a particular) operating system to try out on their device.  For instance they may have Android 2.3.7 installed and is planning on installing Android 4.0.

It is important to note that although there are a few devices in the "tech-wild" that are currently able to have more than one different OS installed on them or dual-boot (I love my Hp Touchpad) , the normal thing is to have just one particular OS on any given device.  For example, you may have Android or IOS or Microsoft Windows 7.x etc.

You should also bear in mind that not all newer versions of a particular OS may be compatible with the older device you have, for instance, you will not be able to install Blackberry OS 7 on a device that was shipped with version 4.x.