Utility Software

Utility Software

1. A series of tools that perform specific tasks to maintain the performance of the system

   • Optimise it's performance

2. Anti-virus software

   • Protects computer from viruses
   • OS anti-virus is not the most robust

3. Backup software

   • Copies files to be stored elsewhere
     • e.g the cloud, a disc
   • Can be restored if something happens to the originals
   • Full backup
     • Will back up all the data requested
   • Incremental backup
     • Only backups new or updated files
     • Quicker

4. Compression software

   • Reduces the size of files
   • Take up less storage space
   • Lossy
     • Deletes some of the data
   • Lossless
     • Reduces the size without deleting any data

5. Defragmentation software

   • Data is stored in different areas where there is free space
   • Reorganises files by putting related data back together
     • Reduces the number of data access the hard drive needs to read the data
       • Improves performance

6. Encryption software

   • Scrambles data so it cannot be understood by unauthorised users
     • Then the data is decrypted by a key

7. Firewall software

   • Manages what comes in and out of a network
     • Alerts user of any suspicious activity