In basic computer hardware terminology, a removable magnetic disk that can hold information and be inserted or removed from a disk drive is commonly known as what?

Introduction / Context:
Before USB flash drives and cloud storage became common, removable magnetic disks were widely used for transferring and storing small amounts of data. These disks were thin and flexible, enclosed in protective jackets, and could be inserted into and removed from a disk drive on a computer. Understanding the term for this classic storage device is fundamental in computer history and basic hardware awareness.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The device is a removable magnetic disk.
• It holds information and can be put into or taken out of a drive.
• The options include floppy disk, hard drive, monitor, and portable.
• We assume the question refers to older personal computer storage technologies.

Concept / Approach:
A floppy disk is a removable, flexible magnetic disk used for storing data. It is housed in a plastic shell (for example 3.5 inch or 5.25 inch formats) and can be inserted into a floppy disk drive. Data is recorded magnetically on the surface, and the disk can be carried to another computer. A hard drive (hard disk) is typically a non-removable internal storage device, although there are external hard drives as well. A monitor is an output device for display, and “portable” by itself is not the standard name of any storage medium. Therefore, the removable magnetic disk that holds information is correctly called a floppy disk.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the key description: removable magnetic disk used to store information. Step 2: Recall common storage media that match this description. Floppy disks are classic removable magnetic storage devices. Step 3: Examine a hard drive. Conventional hard drives are fixed inside the computer and are not thin flexible removables like floppy disks. Step 4: Check the remaining options. A monitor is a display device, and the word “portable” is not a specific storage device name. Step 5: Conclude that “Floppy disk” is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Textbooks on computer fundamentals often show images of floppy disks and describe them as removable magnetic disks that can be used to transfer files between computers. They emphasise their portability and relatively low capacity compared with hard disks. Historically, operating systems and small programs were distributed on floppy disks. Hard disks, by contrast, are described as high capacity, mostly fixed storage devices inside the system unit. This confirms that the phrase “removable magnetic disk that holds information” corresponds to a floppy disk.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B (Hard drive): Normally refers to a hard disk drive, which is a rigid, high capacity storage device and typically not a thin removable disk in the sense of the question. Option C (Monitor): A monitor is an output device for visual display and does not store data. Option D (Portable): This is simply an adjective meaning easy to carry, not the name of a specific magnetic disk device.

Common Pitfalls:
Since floppy disks are now rarely used, some learners may not be familiar with them and may confuse them with portable hard drives or USB drives. Others might simply see the word “portable” and think that must be the right answer because the disk can be moved. To answer correctly, focus on traditional terminology: the classic removable magnetic disk for personal computers is the floppy disk, while modern portable devices are usually flash or external hard drives.

Final Answer:
A removable magnetic disk that holds information is called a Floppy disk.