What is nonvolatile storage (NVS)? - Definition from Whatis.com

Definition

nonvolatile storage (NVS)

Also see our Fast Guide to RAM.

Nonvolatile (sometimes written as "non-volatile") storage (NVS) - also known as nonvolatile memory or nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM) - is a form of static random access memory whose contents are saved when a computer is turned off or loses its external power source. NVS is implemented by providing static RAM with backup battery power or by saving its contents and restoring them from an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EPROM). Some modems use NVS as a place to keep preset or user-specified phone numbers and modem profiles.

This was last updated in July 2000

Dig Deeper

  • Coming in the August 2011 issue of Storage magazine

    A sneak peek at Storage magazine's August 2011 issue. Learn more about the state of backup deduplication, storage virtualization and new trends in data storage.

  • Coming in the July 2011 issue of Storage magazine

    A sneak peek at Storage magazine's July 2011 issue. Learn more about backing up virtual servers, performance tips and how to turn your data center storage into a storage cloud.

  • Storage magazine May 2011 PDF

    Download Storage magazine's all-digital issue at no cost. This month: The benefits, functions, future outlook and buying considerations for automated tiered storage technologies.

Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know.

Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com