Computing Dictionary
non-volatile storage definition
storage (NVS, persistent storage, memory) A term describing a storage device whose contents are preserved when its power is off. Storage using magnetic media (e.g.
magnetic disks,
magnetic tape or
bubble memory) is normally non-volatile by nature whereas
semiconductor memories (
static RAM and especially
dynamic RAM) are normally volatile but can be made into non-volatile storage by having a (rechargable) battery permanently connected.
Dynamic RAM is particularly volatile since it looses its data, even if the power is still on, unless it is
refreshed. An acoustic
delay line is a (very old) example of a volatile storage device.
Other examples of non-volatile storage are
EEPROM,
CD-ROM,
paper tape and
punched cards.
(2000-05-22)
