Unit 1.7 (2)

Unit 1.7 (2)

1. Utility Software: Utility programs are designed to do just one or two tasks. Utility software interacts with the computers hardware, Eg: the DISK DRIVE. Utility programs are inbuilt in to the operating system.

2. Utility Programs: File compression, Disk defragmentation, File repair, Disk copying, Disk formatting, Disk backup/Restore, Anti-virus.

3. Compression: Reducing the size of the file by performing an algorithm on the original data. LOSSLESS- The original file can be re-created as no data is lost. Lossy- Some of the original data is lost and the original file can not be re-created.

4. Defragmentation Software: When a hard disk drive is new - files get added onto the disk in order. As files are deleted - this leaves gaps. When new files are saved - the files fill the gaps and become fragmented.

   • Defragmentation software groups fragmented files back together.

5. Encryption Software: Encryption means to scramble data in a way that it is unreadable to anybody who doesnt have the key to be able to unscramble this. Data is encrypted using a key and then decrypted using a key. Data is encrypted so that it is unreadable if anyone is to intercept it.

6. Backups: Completed to ensure there is a way of restoring files/data/programs in case of computer failure. Copies of data and/or software are taken regularly and usually stored in a different location.

   • Ensures that if computers are stolen or damaged in for eg: A fire or a natural disaster that data can be restored and a company do not lose much money.

7. Backup Tyres: FULL- 1) A copy of all data and software on the hard disk drive/server is copied to a backup medium (eg: an external hard disk drive/ DVD-R) and the medium is kept at a different location. 2) Take a long time to complete. 3) Recovery takes a long time as it restores all data and programs.

   • Backup Tyres: INCREMENTAL- 1) A full backup is made initially. 2) Each night only the files which have been changed since the last incremental backup are copied. 3) Much faster to complete than full backups. 4) Takes much longer at restoring than a Full Backup as the full backup would need restoring first and then every incremental back-up since the last full back-up.