Utility software

Utility software

1. utility software runs along side the operating system

2. Security Checks

   • checks authentication and prevents unauthorised access tot he system
   • security utilities encrypt data that is stored and when it is transmitted over a network
   • Encryption- Data is scrambled to something that can’t be decrypted (unscrambled) without the use of a key which only the recipient or owner of the data has.

3. identifying and removing viruses

   • anti - virus software identifies and removes files that can cause malicious damage
   • Viruses are constantly being created and updated so users must ensure their anti-virus software is as up to date
   • If no solution is available the software will quarantine the infected files

4. software updates

   • Utility software is responsible for ensuring the most up to date version of software resource is installed on to the computer
   • when the software is loaded it will contact the provider a determine if an update is a available
   • the user may need to accept the installation of the new software or it may start automatically

5. cleaning up files

   • when a file is deleted the disk clean up tool is used to remove addresses tot eh location
   • the tool can also automatically remove temporarily stored files in order to free up space

6. Backing up

   • A mirror image of the current system can be created, complete with backups of files and settings
     • the system can also set reminders to back up the system
   • if the system needs to be recovered the computer can revert back to its previous save point

7. Defragmentation

   • files are stored across a number of blocks
     • When a file is deleted blocks are emptied however when files are saved again they automatically fill in empty blocks
       • This can cause the file to become fragmented
         • To find a file more locations need to be searched which slows the system Defragmentation stores the files back into a logical order

8. choice of utility software

   • User should base their choice of utilities on the jobs they need to carry out on their device
   • Most operating systems integrate some tools such as back ups and file clean up tools whereas other tools such as anti-virus are down to the users choice.

9. factors impacting performance

   • The memory and processing capabilities of the computer system the utility software is used on can impact the performance of the system.
   • problems with other peieces of software may effect the performance of the system
   • Memory failure or corruption could impact a range of utilities such as back ups