Utility Software

Question 1

Backup

Answer 1

This allows the user to restore the system to a previous state which is saved as a backup. This is only usually used if a system malfunctions.

Question 2

Disk cleaner

Answer 2

The storage drive is divided into a number of different clusters. The table of content serves a an address book, keeping a record of each file and the cluster used to store that file. When a file is deleted, the address to the location on the desk is removed.

Question 3

Disk defragmentation

Answer 3

When files are deleted or unused clusters become available or reuse. These can end up being distributed across a drive, especially if the original files were small. If a large file is then written to a drive, its data could b spread across different clusters leading to file fragmentation. Defragmentation involves rearranging the information on a disk so that files appear in continuous sequences of clusters. This will improve file access times. Most modern operating run this process automatically.

Question 4

Formatting

Answer 4

Storage drives need to be formatted to be compatible with an OS usually formats storage media when it is connected to the computer. It is often the case that a storage device can not be compatible with both windows and Mac OS X

Question 5

User accounts

Answer 5

Allow the user to allocate specific users and protects personal files and programs from unauthorised access.

Question 6

Encryption

Answer 6

Can encrypt data when it is stored, or whenever it is transmitted over network.

Question 7

Anti-virus software

Answer 7

Detects and block viruses

Question 8

Firewall

Answer 8

Can be used to filter between trusted and untrusted networks and prevent programs from communicating through the use of ports