Mälupüsivust

Mälupüsivust, often translated as memory persistence, refers to the ability of a computer system or a component within it to retain data even after power has been removed. This is a fundamental characteristic that distinguishes different types of storage.

In contrast to volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), which loses its contents when the power supply is interrupted, non-volatile memory maintains its stored information indefinitely. This persistence is crucial for storing operating systems, applications, user files, and configuration settings that need to be accessible each time a device is powered on.

Various technologies enable mälupüsivust. Traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) use magnetic storage on spinning platters. Solid-state drives (SSDs) utilize flash memory, a type of non-volatile storage that electronically stores data. Read-only memory (ROM) and its variations, like flash ROM, are also forms of persistent storage, though often with limitations on how data can be written or rewritten.

The concept of mälupüsivust is central to the design and functionality of all modern computing devices, from personal computers and smartphones to servers and embedded systems. Without it, data would be lost with every shutdown or power outage, rendering computers largely unusable for practical purposes. The speed, capacity, and durability of persistent storage technologies continue to evolve, impacting overall system performance and user experience.