Management Information System (MIS) Practice Exam

Which memory type is non-volatile and retains data even when the computer is off?

1. cache memory

2. random access memory

3. read-only memory

4. Virtual memory

The correct answer is: read-only memory

The correct choice is read-only memory, as it is a type of non-volatile memory that retains its data even when the power is turned off. This characteristic is fundamental to the functioning of read-only memory (ROM), which is used primarily to store firmware or permanent software that does not change frequently. Since this memory type is not writable under normal operating conditions, it provides a stable environment for essential system information that must be preserved across sessions. In contrast, cache memory and random access memory (RAM) are types of volatile memory. This means that they lose all stored information when the power is turned off. Cache memory is designed for high-speed data access for the CPU, while RAM serves as temporary storage for data and applications currently in use. Virtual memory, on the other hand, is a technique that uses part of the hard drive space to extend the system’s RAM capacity, but it too relies on volatile memory and is lost when the system is powered down. Thus, read-only memory stands out as the only option here that maintains its data integrity without requiring power.