Final answer:
Full Disk Encryption (FDE) or Whole Disk Encryption is a security measure that encrypts the entire hard drive of a computer, protecting all contents including system files and user data.
Step-by-step explanation:
The technology that encrypts the entire system volume, including the Windows Registry and any temporary files that might hold confidential information, is known as Full Disk Encryption (FDE) or Whole Disk Encryption. This type of encryption is designed to protect data by encrypting the entire hard drive of a computer, including the operating system, all system files, and all user data.
When Full Disk Encryption is enabled, everything on the drive is encrypted at once, making it nearly impossible for unauthorized individuals to access any data on the drive even if they have physical access to it. This is especially important for securing sensitive information in scenarios such as theft or loss of the device.
The encryption process usually starts as soon as the operating system begins to boot, and users will have to provide a pre-boot authentication, like a password or a hardware token, to decrypt the drive and start the system. Popular examples of Full Disk Encryption software include Microsoft's BitLocker, Symantec Endpoint Encryption, and Apple's FileVault.