utility software

utility software

1. auto update

   • this checks the internet for new versions of software and will download and install it without any user interaction
   • updates normally include security fixes to keep your computer system safe from hackers

2. disk clean up

3. firewall

   • used to control which applications can send or receive data packets from your computer or network
   • it is needed to stop unauthorised users from accessing your computer system

4. anti-malware

   • scans your computer periodically for malware
   • if malware is found it is quarantined so no system files are corrupted
   • software needs to be updated regularly in order to keep up to date with the latest threats

5. encryption

   • encodes (scrambles) data so it cannot be read without the private access keys
   • data cannot be used if intercepted or stolen by an unauthorised user

6. compression software

   • compression software is used to reduce the size of a file
   • this is useful so that files take up less storage space and are quicker to send over the internet