4.4 Utility software

Question 1

What other core functions do OS’ provide apart from memory management?

Answer 1

Utility software

Question 2

Give example of utility software

Answer 2

Encryption software
Defragmentation software
Data compression
Disk clean-up tools
Disk formatters
anti-virus software

Question 3

What is utility software?

Answer 3

Utility programs perform extra functionality and housekeeping tasks that keep computers running efficiently (these are often packaged as part of the operating system)

Question 4

Encryption software

Answer 4

Encryption software is used to encode text so that ir cannot be understood wothout knowing the key to decode it. These can be used for sending important or confidential emails, or information.

Question 5

Wat is used for encryption to websites?

Answer 5

Web browsers usually show a padlock for sites that are using HTTPS (Hyper Transfer Protocol Secure)

Question 6

Encryption tools

Answer 6

Rncryption software utlities are commonly used to:
• Encrypt entire hard disks so that data cannot be understood if the computeris stolen
• Encrypt files and folders on a portable disk such as USB removeable storage
• Encrypt data in an organisation’s database - especially sensitive data such as passwords

Question 7

Disk Fragmentation

Answer 7

Reorganising ‘fragmented’ files so that they are stored together

Question 8

What causes defragmentation

Answer 8

When you save a large file, it may not fit on the disk in consecutive memory locations. The file is then referred to as ‘fragmented’. In order to read the file, the drive head will need to move to more locations

Question 9

Benefits of disk defragmentation

Answer 9

Read times are faster

Free space is also in one place so new files do not need to be fragmented

Question 10

Data compression software

Answer 10

Utlities enable users to compress and decompress files or folders

Question 11

Examples of Data Compression software

Answer 11

WinZip

Question 12

Data Compression software advantages

Answer 12

Reduces amount of storage space needed on a disk
If sending files, it reduces the amount of storage space needed on a disk
Compression may allow attatchments to be sent via email that would otherwise have been larger than a file-size limit
More data can be stored on backup media