(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)
