Utility Software

Utility Software

1. Description

   • Utility Software maintains and configures our computer system. They are also known as Utility Programs
     • Utility Software is needed to manage, maintain and control computer resources. This makes it very important to upkeep the computer and ensure everything runs smoothly

2. Examples of Software

   • Encryption Software
     • Encryption software disguises the contents of files so they can only be understood by authorized users. The software uses a complex algorithm to scramble the content so that it appears to be gibberish. Only authorized users can descramble the content.
   • Defragmentation Software
     • When a file is stored on a hard disk it is actually stored not as a whole file, but as a series of segments. Sometimes the segments run together in sequence and sometimes the segments are split up over a disk. This is known as fragmentation.
   • Data Compression Software
     • 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.
   • Backup Software
     • To prevent data loss, regular copies of the data should be made. A copy of data is known as a backup. Backups can contain a copy of all files on a computer, or just ones specified by a user. This is done by the Backup Software

3. Other Features

   • Firewall
     • A firewall is a network security device that monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic and decides whether to allow or block specific traffic based on a defined set of security rules.
   • Disk Cleanup
     • Disk Cleanup helps free up space on your hard disk, creating improved system performance. Disk Cleanup searches your disk and then shows you temporary files, Internet cache files, and unnecessary program files that you can safely delete. You can direct Disk Cleanup to delete some or all of those files.
   • Auto-Update
     • Automatic updates allow users to keep their software programs updated without having to check for and install available updates manually. The software automatically checks for available updates, and if found, the updates are downloaded and installed without user intervention.
   • Anti-Malware
     • Software that is created specifically to help detect, prevent and remove malware (malicious software). Antivirus is a kind of software used to prevent, scan, detect and delete viruses from a computer.
   • Disk Analysis and Repair
     • A disk analyzer is a piece of software that checks drives for space and usage and explores files and folders visually, simplifying file cleanup and optimization. This takes the intensive labor out of keeping disks free of unnecessary file clutter, including dupe files, obsolete registries and more.