What is the main characteristic of secondary storage?

The main characteristic of secondary storage is that it can store large amounts of data. Unlike primary storage, which is used for immediate access to data and is usually limited in capacity (such as RAM), secondary storage provides a much larger space for data retention. This allows for the storage of extensive amounts of information, including documents, applications, and media files.

Secondary storage devices, such as hard drives, SSDs, and optical disks, are designed to retain data even when the power is turned off, making them essential for permanent data storage. The ability to store vast quantities of data is crucial for users and organizations that need to manage large datasets over extended periods.

The other options discuss characteristics that do not typically apply to secondary storage. Volatility refers to whether a memory retains data when power is lost, and secondary storage is non-volatile. Direct access by the CPU is more relevant to primary storage technologies, and secondary storage is often used to store both active and inactive data.