Which type of memory retains data even when the power is off?

Which type of memory retains data even when the power is off?

• A. RAM
• B. ROM
• C. Cache
• D. Virtual Memory

Answer: (B)

The type of memory that retains data even when the power is off is Read-Only Memory (ROM). ROM is a non-volatile memory, which means that it does not require power to maintain the stored information. This characteristic makes it ideal for storing firmware or system software that needs to persist even when the computer is turned off. For instance, the BIOS or UEFI firmware that initializes and tests hardware during the startup process is typically stored in ROM. In contrast, RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile and loses its data when power is lost; it is primarily used for temporary data storage while applications are running. Cache memory, which provides high-speed data access to the processor, is also volatile and does not retain information after power is disrupted. Virtual memory, on the other hand, is a memory management capability that allows the execution of processes that may not completely fit into physical memory, but it utilizes the hard drive to extend RAM capacity and is not a type of memory that retains data independently. Thus, ROM's ability to hold data even when the computer is powered down clearly distinguishes it from the other memory types listed.

The type of memory that retains data even when the power is off is Read-Only Memory (ROM). ROM is a non-volatile memory, which means that it does not require power to maintain the stored information. This characteristic makes it ideal for storing firmware or system software that needs to persist even when the computer is turned off. For instance, the BIOS or UEFI firmware that initializes and tests hardware during the startup process is typically stored in ROM.

In contrast, RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile and loses its data when power is lost; it is primarily used for temporary data storage while applications are running. Cache memory, which provides high-speed data access to the processor, is also volatile and does not retain information after power is disrupted. Virtual memory, on the other hand, is a memory management capability that allows the execution of processes that may not completely fit into physical memory, but it utilizes the hard drive to extend RAM capacity and is not a type of memory that retains data independently.

Thus, ROM's ability to hold data even when the computer is powered down clearly distinguishes it from the other memory types listed.