Types of Utility software

What is Utility Software?

• Small pieces of software that help the computer run more effectively and efficiently.

What is Utility Software

Defragmentation

Defragmentation

• When a file is stored on a hard disk it is not stored as a whole file, but as a series of segments. Sometimes the segments run together in sequence the segments are split up over a disk. This is known as fragmentation.

• Over time, more and more files become fragmented.

• Defragmentation software takes the fragmented files and rearranges the segments so that they run contiguously. This decreases read/write time, thereby speeding up computer performance.

Back up utilities

Full Back up

• A full backup involves making a copy of every file on the computer or network. They can require a lot of storage space and can be time consuming to make.

Incremental

• Incremental backups take a copy of any new files created since the last backup or of any files that have been edited, such as user documents.

Anti-virus

Anti -virus

• scans a computer system, either when activated or automatically at a specified date and time, and identifies potential viruses. Many anti-virus software programs can also delete or fix potential threats once they have been identified.

Compression

Compression

• Compression software reduces the size of a file stored on secondary storage.

• Smaller files are easier to transmit across a network as they require fewer packets to be sent. Their reduced size also means more files can be stored in any given area of storage.

Encryption