(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 acoustICdelay 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)