What nonvolatile memory normally stores the operating system kernel on an IBM PC-compatible system?

A.
Disk

B.
Firmware

C.
RAM

D.
ROM

Explanation:
Answer A is correct; the kernel is stored on disk, and is loaded into volatile memory by the BIOS.

Incorrect Answers and Explanations: B, C, and D: Answers B, C, and D are incorrect. ROM (including firmware) is nonvolatile memory that stores the BIOS. RAM is volatile memory that holds the kernel after the system has booted.