OFF-LINE STORAGE

'Off-line storage' (also known as disconnected storage) is a computer storage medium which must be inserted into a storage drive by a human operator before a computer can access the information stored on the medium, i.e. storage that is off-line. According to Federal Standard 1037C off-line storage is "storage that is not under the control of a processing unit". Examples include floppy disks, optical discs, and magnetic tape. Alternatively, off-line storage is a media library system which uses off-line storage media, as opposed to 'tertiary storage', where the handling of media is automatic.
Off-line storage is used to transfer information, since the detached medium can be easily taken to a remote location, and to increase security, since physically removing the medium renders it entirely unaccessible to the computer and thus safe from network intrusion, and may even be off site to protect from disasters such as fires. Also, if the information is stored for archival purposes and is accessed seldom if ever, off-line storage may be less expensive than tertiary storage.

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