Which type of memory is categorized as secondary storage?

The correct answer is the hard drive, as it is classified as secondary storage. Secondary storage refers to non-volatile storage that retains data even when the computer is powered off. Hard drives, whether traditional spinning disks or solid-state drives, are designed to store large amounts of data persistently, allowing users to save files, applications, and the operating system.

In contrast, RAM (Random Access Memory) is considered primary memory or main memory, as it is used for temporary storage while the computer is running. It loses all data when the power is turned off. ROM (Read-Only Memory) is also categorized as primary storage, specifically for firmware that is not meant to be modified frequently, and it retains data without power but is not designed for general data storage. Cache memory serves as a very fast type of volatile memory that stores frequently accessed data to speed up processing but does not retain information when the computer is shut down. Thus, the hard drive stands out as the type of memory used for long-term data storage, which is the defining characteristic of secondary storage.