Final answer:
The hard drive is a non-volatile storage device, meaning it retains stored data without power. It magnetically encodes information, essential for long-term data retention.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hard drive is a C) Non-volatile storage device, meaning that it stores data permanently even when the computer is turned off. Non-volatile memory is essential for retaining information without a constant power supply. In contrast to volatile memory, which loses data when power is removed, non-volatile devices like the hard drive can retain the information. When a hard drive is in use, it magnetically encodes information on a storage medium that retains data even after the computer has been turned off. This is a critical aspect of digital devices, enabling the long-term storage of data.