RAM can also be classified based on its persistence. What does 'non-persistent storage' refer to?

Non-persistent storage refers to memory that does not retain data when the power is turned off. This type of storage is often used for temporary data that needs to be accessed quickly but doesn't need to be saved permanently. In the context of RAM, it encompasses volatile memory, such as standard RAM used in personal computers and servers, which loses all stored information once the system is shut down or power is lost.

The classification of RAM as non-persistent aligns well with its purpose in computing, where it serves as a fast, temporary workspace for the operating system and applications to store data while being actively used. Thus, the nature of volatile memory makes it an ideal example of non-persistent storage, as it is not designed to keep data in the absence of power.

In contrast, the other options refer to types of storage or storage mediums that either retain data over time (like SSDs or archival storage) or are defined by their network characteristics, none of which fit the definition of non-persistent storage.