Which type of storage includes devices like CDs and DVDs?

The correct choice is secondary data storage, as this category encompasses devices that retain data for long-term use, making it accessible even when not powered on. CDs (Compact Discs) and DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs) serve this purpose by storing a significant amount of digital information—such as music, videos, and software—that can be read by compatible devices.

Secondary data storage is distinct from other types of storage, such as cache memory, which is a fast-access form of storage used to temporarily hold data that is frequently accessed or needed in the short term. Cache memory is volatile and loses its data when power is turned off, whereas CDs and DVDs provide permanent data retention.

Expansion cards and peripheral devices refer to hardware components that enhance a computer's capabilities or provide additional functionality, rather than serving as storage mediums. While they play important roles in a computer system, they do not specifically pertain to the long-term storage of data like CDs and DVDs do. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why secondary data storage is the correct classification for devices like CDs and DVDs.