ROM image
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ROM images (or ROMs, for short) is used in the context of emulation for a binary file which contains graphics, sounds, and program code. ROM images are usually created so that the software can be run on computer hardware different from the one the software was originally designed for, using emulator software.
The term's original meaning is "read only memory", a memory type that has often been used to store games and programs for game consoles such as the Nintendo Entertainment System or the Sega Genesis. Illicit distributors of vintage game images also frequently use it to refer to images of CD-ROM and DVD-ROM media, although many consider this technically wrong, preferring the term ISO images (ISOs for short).
The question of the legality of distributing and running ROM images is the prime issue between emulation enthusiasts and copyright holders, as many of those images are binary dumps of graphics, sound and program code protected by copyright. Some proponents violating these copyrights make the argument that since many of these games are no longer being sold the company is not being harmed in the process, often making a distant appeal to fair use. The concept of ignoring copyright for out-of-print computer programs is often referred to as abandonware.
The most rampant problem with ROM sharing is in Asia. In order to discourage this, Nintendo has used a new program format for the Nintendo DS. Despite the difficulty, Nintendo DS ROM images are now available; the more complex format means that the games cannot dumped as quickly as the Game Boy Advance games could be, but it has not fully prevented their sharing.
Nintendo tried a far tougher tactic in the past with their proprietary and purportedly "copy-proof" disc format for the GameCube. Their bragging was not without good cause, as its discs proved to be absolutely impossible to duplicate; it was not until an exploit of Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II's modem functionality was discovered that the games were able to be streamed to a PC and then distributed.
See also
Lists
- List of emulators
- List of Famicom Disk System games
- List of Famicom games
- List of Japanese companies
- List of NES accessories
- List of NES games
- List of SNES games
Links
- TheRoms.com (http://www.theroms.com/)
- RomReactor - Multilingual (http://www.romreactor.net/)