Which type of storage remains external to the CPU and retains data even when the PC is turned off?

Which type of storage remains external to the CPU and retains data even when the PC is turned off?

• A. RAM
• B. Secondary Storage
• C. Cache
• D. Primary Storage

Answer: (B)

Storing data across power cycles requires non-volatile storage located outside the CPU. Secondary storage refers to devices like hard drives and solid-state drives that sit outside the processor and keep data even when the computer is turned off. These storage devices are non-volatile, so files, programs, and the operating system remain intact after you power down and back up. In contrast, the memory closest to the CPU—RAM and cache—are volatile, meaning they lose the stored information once power is removed, and primary storage typically refers to this main memory rather than long-term storage. So the option that best fits being external to the CPU and retaining data when the PC is off is secondary storage.

Storing data across power cycles requires non-volatile storage located outside the CPU. Secondary storage refers to devices like hard drives and solid-state drives that sit outside the processor and keep data even when the computer is turned off. These storage devices are non-volatile, so files, programs, and the operating system remain intact after you power down and back up. In contrast, the memory closest to the CPU—RAM and cache—are volatile, meaning they lose the stored information once power is removed, and primary storage typically refers to this main memory rather than long-term storage. So the option that best fits being external to the CPU and retaining data when the PC is off is secondary storage.