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Every application on a computer or other electronic device must be stored in memory, later to be accessed and executed. These instructions are held in Read Only Memory so that they have the least chance of being inadvertently altered or erased, thus disabling the device they run. It is also used by most computers to store things like lookup tables for mathematical calculations and other logical functions. Although Flash ROM has taken over the storage of easily manipulated, user created files, traditional versions of Read Only Memory can still be used to store such information. ROM doesn't necessarily have to reside as an integrated circuit within an electronic device. Several hard forms of data storage media are also known as ROM. CD-ROM technology is a read only format, as well as CD-R, and CD-RW. DVD formats also qualify as Read Only Memory. In order to preserve the Read Only Memory data, many times a user will make an "image" of the ROM chips, which can be extracted with the use of several specialized software tools. Copies can then be made of that image, preserving the integrity of the memory indefinitely. Unless written permission by the Read Only Memory's owner is obtained, making a copy of a ROM chip, regardless of the technology being copied, is generally in violation of copyright laws, though in some jurisdictions, making backup copies of purchased games, DVDs and other ROMs is considered okay. Read Only Memory is vital to the technology world. Without it, electronics we depend on every day could not function.