* A long-term computer storage area. [1]
* Archives are long term repositories for the storage of records. Electronic archives preserve the content, prevent or track alterations and control access to electronic records. [2]
* A copy of data on a computer drive, or on a portion of a drive, maintained for historical reference. [3] [4] [5] [6]
* A container that holds files, either compressed or uncompressed (ZIP, CAB, TAR, GZ, JAR, PST, NSF, or other file types). There are two types of archives – mail containers and file containers. [7]
* The procedure of transferring text or data from a hard disk to off-line storage media for later access. [8]

[1] RenewData, Glossary (10/5/2005).
[2] Kroll Ontrack, Glossary of Terms, http://www.krollontrack.com/glossaryterms
[3] Fios, E-Discovery Glossary, http://discoveryresources.org/01_electronic_discovery_glossary.html
[4] [sniplet_source_fenwick_3]
[5] [sniplet_source_vinson]
[6] [sniplet_source_rsi]
[7] Ibis Consulting, Glossary.
[8] Legal Electronic Document Institute, Basic Principles of Automated Litigation Support (2005).

Attributions
- EDRM (http://edrm.net)