What information is typically lost when shutting down a computer?

When a computer is shut down, several types of information are lost, primarily because the contents of volatile memory are cleared. RAM (Random Access Memory) is a form of volatile memory, meaning that it stores data temporarily and requires power to maintain that data. When the power is turned off during a shutdown, all the data stored in RAM is lost. This may include unsaved files, open applications, and any information being temporarily held for quick access.

In addition to the loss of data in RAM, all running processes—which are programs currently executing on the computer—are terminated when the system shuts down. This includes any active applications and their states, which may also lead to loss of unsaved work.

Furthermore, current network connections are also lost during the shutdown process. This includes any established connections to the internet or local networks, which will need to be re-established once the computer is powered back on.

Therefore, all of these elements—data in RAM, running processes, and current network connections—are typically lost during the shutdown of a computer, which validates that the correct response encompasses all these aspects.