Who is responsible for providing the programs stored in ROM?

The manufacturer is responsible for providing the programs stored in Read-Only Memory (ROM). ROM contains firmware, which is the software that is closely tied to specific hardware and is essential for the device's functionality. This firmware is written during the manufacturing process and is permanent, meaning it cannot be modified or erased by the user. As such, users typically do not have the ability to add or change programs in ROM, thereby reinforcing the manufacturer's role as the sole provider of the essential programs stored therein.

Evaluating the other options: the users do not contribute to the creation or modification of ROM programs, so it is not their responsibility. The idea that both parties contribute is misleading, as the user cannot alter the stored firmware. Similarly, the notion that programs are self-generated is incorrect, since ROM must be preprogrammed during the manufacturing process before deployment.