Volatility Types

CD-R Optical Media

Archive media in this location can only survive a system power down once the data is written to the media. Once the media is disconnected from the system, it cannot be modified in any way by a target system. Least volatile.

Hard Drive

Data stored in this location is maintained throughout a system shutdown. Third most volatile.

Network Drive / Remote System

Data stored in this location would survive even if a target system is entirely inoperable of being investigated. Fourth most volatile.

RAM

This memory type is used by the system as part of the regular operation of the computer. It is not persistent on power down. Second most volatile.

Cache Memory

Used to store frequently or recently accessed memory. It's faster for a CPU to access data stored in this location than all other forms of memory. It is overwritten by data from RAM frequently as part of the standard operation of the OS. It is not persistent on power down. Most volatile.