Management Information System (MIS) Practice Exam

What type of storage retains its data without power?

1. Volatile memory

2. Secondary storage

3. Primary storage

4. Random-access memory

The correct answer is: Secondary storage

The correct answer refers to secondary storage, which encompasses various types of data storage that retain information even when power is not supplied. This typically includes hard drives, solid-state drives, and other forms of storage media such as CDs, DVDs, and USB flash drives. Secondary storage is essential for long-term data retention, as it allows users to save files and databases permanently until they are intentionally deleted or overwritten. In contrast, volatile memory, which is represented by options such as random-access memory (RAM), loses its data when the power is turned off. This type of memory is critical for temporary data storage during computational processes but cannot be relied on for keeping information long-term. Similarly, primary storage, which usually refers to RAM, also does not retain its data without power. Understanding these differences is crucial for recognizing the roles that various types of storage play in information systems and overall data management.