What is used as long term storage in modern computers?

The correct answer reflects the traditional role of hard drives as long-term storage devices in modern computers. Hard drives are magnetic storage devices that can retain data even when the power is turned off, making them suitable for storing operating systems, software applications, and personal files over extended periods. They typically offer large storage capacities at a relatively low cost, making them a popular choice for users who need to store large amounts of data.

While solid-state drives (SSD) and flash memory also function as long-term storage solutions, the term "hard drives" often specifically refers to the conventional spinning disk drives that have been widely used for many years. Solid-state drives, which use flash memory, represent a newer technology that offers faster data access speeds and greater resilience against physical shock, but they can be more expensive per gigabyte compared to traditional hard drives.

Flash memory, though also a long-term storage option and used in various forms like USB drives and SD cards, typically serves more as a supplementary storage solution rather than the primary method for many computer systems.

Random Access Memory (RAM), on the other hand, is not used for long-term storage. It is volatile memory that temporarily holds data and instructions that the CPU needs while a computer is running, losing all its information once