Off-Line Storage

Off-Line is the computer storage medium that is physically removed from the storage device. It is also known as disconnected storage. It is required be inserted into a storage drive by a human operator to let a computer access the information stored on the medium, which is off-line storage. The Federal Standard 1037C defines off-line storage as "storage that is not under the control of a processing unit". It is different from tertiary storage, where the handling of media is automatic. Off-line storage is used for data transfer, archival or disaster recovery purposes. In modern computers, CDs, DVDs, memory cards, flash memory devices including "USB drives", floppy disks, Zip disks, and magnetic tapes are commonly used for off-line mass storage purposes. "Hot-pluggable" USB hard disks are also available. Off-line storage media used in the past include punched cards, microforms, and drums.