1.5.2 - Utility Software

Question 1

What is the purpose of utility software

Answer 1

To perform ‘housekeeping’ tasks that the OS can’t do to help maintain the system

Question 2

Examples of utility software

Answer 2

• Defragmentation software
• Compression software
• Encryption software

Question 3

Purpose and benefits of compression software

Answer 3

Reduces file sizes or stores data in a different way
This allows for quicker transmission across a network and more files can be stored in the same set amount of space

Question 4

Purpose of encryption software

Answer 4

To scramble a users data so that if the data is intercepted, it cannot be understood by unauthorised users. Means only the sender and intended recipient can understand the data

Question 5

What is needed for an encrypted message to be read

Answer 5

Keys. The sender and intended recipient both have one each.

Question 6

Benefit of encryption software

Answer 6

Allows only authorised users to read the data

Question 7

Purpose of defragmentation software

Answer 7

• When files are stored they are put into any available space
• This fragments the files as often the spaces aren’t big enough
• Defrag software puts all the related parts of a file adjacent to each other

Question 8

Benefits of defragmentation software

Answer 8

• Reduces read write time and therefore increases computer performance
• Less time to save new files as there are large spaces together meaning new files don’t have to be split/fragmented

Question 9

What type of secondary storage doesn’t need to be defragmented

Answer 9

Solid state drives as they have no moving parts. Defragmenting them reduces their life span