Which device is non-volatile storage suitable for long-term data retention?

Which device is non-volatile storage suitable for long-term data retention?

• A. RAM
• B. SSD
• C. CPU Cache
• D. Registers

Answer: (B)

The key idea is non-volatile storage that preserves data without power. For long-term retention, you want storage that doesn’t disappear when the system is shut down. RAM, CPU cache, and registers are volatile; they hold data only while the system is powered and lose it when power is removed. An SSD uses flash memory to store data persistently, so files and programs stay intact after you turn the computer off. That persistence is exactly what makes SSDs suitable for long-term data retention.

The key idea is non-volatile storage that preserves data without power. For long-term retention, you want storage that doesn’t disappear when the system is shut down. RAM, CPU cache, and registers are volatile; they hold data only while the system is powered and lose it when power is removed. An SSD uses flash memory to store data persistently, so files and programs stay intact after you turn the computer off. That persistence is exactly what makes SSDs suitable for long-term data retention.