5. System software Flashcards
What is utility software?
Software that helps maintain a system
What are some examples of utility software?
- encryption software
- backup software
- defragmentation software
- compression software
What is defragmentation software?
Over time, files stored on a computer system become fragmented (split and stored on different parts of the disk). This therefore means that it will take longer for the disks head to move between parts of the file, which will make the file load slower.
Defragmentation is the process of physically rearranging the location of these files so that parts of files are stored together on the disk. This improves loading speed.
What is compression software?
Compression is the process of making files smaller. This is so that they take up less storage space and can be transferred quicker. Software disk based compression usually comes built in to an operating system, but can slow down read and write speeds. Hardware disk compression requires expensive specialist equipment, but does not slow down read and write speeds as much. Disk based compression is always lossless (no data is lost in the process of compressing).
What is encryption software?
Encryption software disguises the contents of files so that they can only be understood by authorised users. The software uses an algorithm to scrambles the content so it is unreadable, and only authorised users can descramble it.
