Which characteristic describes ECC (error-correcting code) memory?

ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory is designed with the capability to enhance data integrity in computing systems. The primary characteristic of ECC memory is its ability to detect and correct errors that may occur during data transmission or storage. In particular, it can detect multiple bit errors and correct single bit errors. This functionality is crucial for systems that require high reliability, such as servers or critical computing environments.

The ECC mechanism works by adding extra bits to the data stored in memory, allowing the system to identify whether the stored data has been altered or corrupted. When a single bit error occurs, ECC can correct it automatically without the need for manual intervention. In contrast, when more than one bit error occurs, ECC can still identify that an error has happened but may not be able to correct all of those errors—hence its capability to detect multiple errors but only correct single ones.

This distinct functionality makes ECC memory a preferred option in applications where data accuracy is paramount, contrasting sharply with non-ECC memory, which lacks these advanced error detection and correction capabilities, making it less reliable for such purposes.