What type of storage retains data even when the computer is off?

The type of storage that retains data even when the computer is off is secondary storage. Secondary storage refers to non-volatile storage devices, such as hard drives, solid-state drives, USB flash drives, and optical discs, which are designed to hold data permanently or for extended periods. These storage mediums do not require power to maintain the integrity of the data they store, making them ideal for storing files, applications, and system backups.

In contrast, primary storage, often referred to as RAM (Random Access Memory), is volatile, meaning that it loses its data when the computer is powered down. Temporary storage, which may refer to caches or temporary files, is designed for short-term data handling and also does not retain information once the system is turned off. Network storage typically involves data stored on remote servers accessed over a network, which could include both volatile and non-volatile options, but it is not specifically focused on local, persistent data retention like secondary storage.