Part 4: Tools that are included with operating systems

Part 4: Tools that are included with operating systems

1. System restore (roll back)

   • System restore is the process of replacing lost or corrupt data by replacing it with an earlier backup.

2. Virus Protection

   • A virus is a computer program that is able to copy itself onto other programs often with the intention of maliciously damaging data. The consequences of a virus spreading can have catastrophic effects on computer systems, and therefore need to be prevented.
   • Virus protection software, also called anti-virus software, is a program that can be loaded into memory when the computer is running. It monitors activity on a computer system for the signs of virus infection. Each virus has its own unique ‘signature’ which is known to virus protection software and stored in a database. Data stored on a computer system is scanned to see if any of the virus signatures within the database exist on the system.
   • There are many thousands of known viruses, and new viruses are created daily. Virus protection software therefore needs to be updated regularly to combat these.

3. Firewall

   • A firewall can be a software or hardware security system that controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic. Packets of data are analysed to determine whether they should be allowed through or not.
     • The basic function of a firewall is to monitor where data has come from and where it is going to, and to determine if this communication is allowed. It does this by checking a list of pre-defined rules. For example, if computer system number 1 above was attempting to connect to software port 80 on computer system 10, this would be allowed, as this would be listed in the pre-defined rules as a common port for browsing web pages. However, if computer system 6 attempted to access computer system number 2 on software port 139, this would be blocked as this would not be listed in the pre-defined rules and so this could be a sign of attempted hacking. A more advanced firewall would analyse the contents of each packet of data to ensure that it matches what is expected to be sent to that port.

4. Control panel

   • Many operating systems use a control panel to give the user control of software and hardware features. It enables the user to change settings, such as sound, device and display settings all from one convenient location.