Which type of memory retains information even when the computer is turned off?

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

Answer: (B)

The type of memory that retains information even when the computer is turned off is ROM, which stands for Read-Only Memory. This type of memory is non-volatile, meaning that it keeps its data intact regardless of whether power is supplied to the computer or not. ROM is used to store critical system instructions, firmware, and system boot processes that need to be preserved when the computer is powered off.

In contrast, RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory, which means it loses all stored data when the power is turned off. Cache memory is also a form of volatile memory that is used to speed up data access for the CPU, and like RAM, it is cleared when the system is shut down. Virtual memory is a technique used by operating systems to use hard drive space as an extension of RAM, and it, too, does not retain data when the computer is not powered on. Thus, only ROM fulfills the requirement of holding information during power outages and is crucial for system operations.