1.5.2 - Utility software

Question 1

What is utility software?

Answer 1

• Software designed to help maintain and enhance a computer system.
• Keeps it organised and secure.
• Utility software is needed to perform additional tasks that may
  not be carried out by an operating system. (+housekeeping tasks)

Question 2

What are the functionalities of utility software?

Answer 2

• Encryption software
• Defragmentation
• Data compression

Question 3

What is encryption software?

Answer 3

• Encryption software is where data is scrambled up into a code before being sent across a network so they are unreadable if intercepted.
• Encryption takes plain text into cipher text using an encryption key.
• This protects sensitive data and keeps files and data safe even if stolen or intercepted.

Question 4

What is defragmentation?

Answer 4

• Defragmentation software takes the fragmented files and rearranges the segments so that they can run contiguously.
• Defragmentation is needed because files become fragmented over time which slows down file access speed therefore defragmentation speeds up performance as it decreases read/write time.
• takes place on HDD’s

Question 5

What is data compression?

Answer 5

• Data compression software reduces the size of files.
• This means less storage space is used which speeds up file transfer and reduces download time.