Utilities Flashcards
(11 cards)
What is utility software?
Designed to help analyse, configure, optimise, or maintain a computer
Supports the operating system, different from application software that benefits end-users.
What is the purpose of disk defragmentation?
To rearrange the files on a hard drive to increase efficiency
Speeds up file access and can improve overall system performance by minimizing empty spaces.
What does disk defragmentation do?
Puts files into contiguous blocks and minimizes empty spaces
Modern SSDs generally don’t require defragmentation.
What is the purpose of file management in utility software?
To organize, search, rename, and relocate files stored on the system
Includes creating, deleting, moving, and renaming files and folders.
What are examples of file management tools?
- Windows Explorer
- macOS Finder
What is the role of a device driver?
To provide an interface between the hardware and the operating systems
Ensures communication between the OS and hardware without needing to know hardware details.
Who usually manages device drivers?
The operating system
Users may sometimes need to update them.
What is the purpose of system cleanup?
To free up space on the system by removing unnecessary files and data
Removes temporary files, system cache, unused applications, and other ‘junk’.
What are examples of system cleanup utilities?
- CCleaner
- Disk Cleanup on Windows
What is the purpose of security utilities in software?
To protect the computer system from various threats like viruses, malware, and spyware
Monitors the system and controls activities to protect it from threats.
What are examples of security utilities?
- Norton
- McAfee
- Windows Defender
