Nonvolatile information storage media is a term used to describe devices that can store data without losing it even when the power is turned off. The IPA phonetic transcription of this term is nɒnˈvɒlətaɪl ɪnfəˈmeɪʃən ˈstɔːrɪdʒ ˈmiːdiə. The first syllable "non" is pronounced as "nɒn," indicating a lack of something. The word "volatile," meaning unstable, is pronounced as "ˈvɒlətaɪl." The last two syllables "media" are pronounced as "ˈmiːdiə," with an emphasis on the first syllable. This spelling reflects the technical nature of this storage medium.
Nonvolatile information storage media refers to devices or materials designed to store data or information in a way that allows for the retention of information even when power is removed. Unlike volatile storage media, which require a constant power supply to retain data, nonvolatile storage media have the ability to maintain stored information in the absence of power.
These storage media can come in various forms, including solid-state drives (SSDs), optical discs, magnetic disks, and flash memory chips. They are typically used in devices such as computers, mobile phones, digital cameras, and various other electronic systems in which data or information needs to be stored for long periods of time.
Nonvolatile storage media utilize different technological mechanisms to retain data. For instance, SSDs use integrated circuits with no moving parts to store data in nonvolatile memory cells. Optical discs use a laser to etch information onto a reflective layer, while magnetic disks utilize magnetic fields to record and read data. Flash memory chips, commonly found in USB drives and memory cards, use floating-gate transistors to trap charges in order to store information.
The advantage of nonvolatile storage media lies in their ability to preserve data integrity and withstand power interruptions or failures. By retaining information even when disconnected from a power source, nonvolatile storage media ensure that data is not lost and can be easily accessed when power is restored.