What type of memory retains information even when the power is turned off?

Non-volatile memory is the correct answer because it is specifically designed to retain data even when the power is turned off. This characteristic makes it essential for storing important information that must persist across power cycles. Examples of non-volatile memory include flash drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), and read-only memory (ROM).

In contrast, volatile memory loses its contents when power is lost; this includes types of RAM such as dynamic memory (DRAM) and static memory (SRAM). While dynamic and static memories are faster and commonly used for temporary data storage during processing tasks, they are not suitable for retaining information when the system is powered down. Non-volatile memory ensures that data remains intact, providing a reliable solution for long-term data storage needs.