A solid-state drive (SSD) is a non-magnetic storage device that uses flash memory to store data. It is preferred in situations requiring high durability, speed, and reliability over several years. Unlike traditional hard drives, SSDs have no moving parts and are immune to magnetic fields, which makes them a better choice for long-term data storage in critical projects. SSDs also offer faster read/write speeds compared to hard drives or tape drives. A USB flash drive is a viable non-magnetic option but typically has smaller storage capacities and less durability for long-term projects. Tape drives are magnetic and used mainly for archival storage, not frequent access. Hard disks are magnetic and susceptible to physical damage and slower performance over time. Reference: CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1001) Exam Objectives Official CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Certification Training