Arizona State University (ASU) CSE110 Principles of Programming Exam 1 Practice

Data persistence refers to the ability to retain data even when the power is turned off. The hard disk and secondary storage both serve this purpose effectively.

The hard disk is a type of secondary storage that uses magnetic or optical means to store data, ensuring that information is preserved even when the device is powered down. Because of this physical storage mechanism, data is retained long-term, making hard disks a reliable option for data persistence.

Secondary storage encompasses all types of storage devices that are not directly accessed by the CPU, which typically includes hard disks, solid-state drives (SSDs), USB flash drives, and optical discs. All of these storage types are designed to keep data intact without the need for a continuous power supply.

Therefore, by selecting the answer that includes both hard disks and secondary storage, it correctly identifies the components that ensure data persistence in the absence of electricity, highlighting the critical role they play in data retention.