What does it mean when we say a hard drive is non-volatile?

A hard drive being described as non-volatile means that it retains data even when the device is powered off. This characteristic is crucial for data storage, as it allows users to save their information and access it later without worrying about losing it when the power is turned off. For most computer users and businesses, non-volatile storage is essential because it provides a reliable way to keep important files, documents, and applications intact between uses.

In contrast, volatile memory, such as RAM, loses all stored data when the power is turned off, which is not the case for non-volatile storage like hard drives. This distinction is fundamental in understanding how different types of memory function and their roles in computer systems.