Bundled software can be either a set of single software programs that are sold together, or one or more software programs sold together with a piece of hardware. Common types of bundled software include operating systems, utilities and accessories sold with desktop or laptop computers, as well as mobile devices. Other types of bundled software are multiple programs sold as a single software service or product that can provide more than one use.

Data storage is the recording of information in a storage medium. Handwriting, phonographic recording, magnetic tape, and optical discs are all examples of storage media. Some authors even propose that DNA is a natural data storage mechanism. Recording may be accomplished with virtually any form of energy.

Encryption is the method by which information is converted into secret code that hides the information’s true meaning. The science of encrypting and decrypting information is called cryptography.

In computing, unencrypted data is also known as plaintext, and encrypted data is called ciphertext. The formulas used to encode and decode messages are called encryption algorithms, or ciphers.

 To be effective, a cipher includes a variable as part of the algorithm. The variable, which is called a key, is what makes a cipher’s output unique. When an encrypted message is intercepted by an unauthorized entity, the intruder has to guess which cipher the sender used to encrypt the message, as well as what keys were used as variables. The time and difficulty of guessing this information is what makes encryption such a valuable security tool.

Encryption has been a longstanding way for sensitive information to be protected.  Historically, it was used by militaries and governments.  In modern times, encryption is used to protect data stored on computers and storage devices, as well as data in transit over networks.