Utility programs
Software that performs a specific and useful task, for example compressing files, defragmenting the hard disk helps users configure, analyse, optimise and maintain a computer. This software normally consists of small programs which are thought of as part of the operating system (OS) as they often come built in with the OS. They are usually accessed through the computer's control panel, control centre, settings or system preferences.
Tasks that utility software may carry out include:
- Backing up and restoring data
- The ability to schedule the launch of programs or scripts at pre-defined times
- Disk Defragmentation is the process of arranging file segments next to each other to speed up file access
Backup and restore
The OS can schedule backups to happen at a specific time and at regular intervals.
Data can be backed up to other external hard disks, magnetic tape, or to servers on the internet (cloud backup).
The OS also has to be able to restore the information. When everything on a hard disk is backed up this is known as a full backup. This can take a long time, so it is possible to back up only the data which has changed since the previous backup. This is called an incremental backup.
Task scheduling
Most operating systems provide basic task scheduling facilities which can allow you to launch programs and scripts at pre-defined times. For example, you may want to schedule your OS to check for updates on a weekly basis, to launch specific applications when you log on, or to send an email to a particular group every morning.
Task scheduling software has various features, such as:
- The ability to run any program/open file/open shortcut etc. at any time you set
- The scheduling software can give you an alert message before executing the job
- The software will allow you to set time in seconds, minutes, hours, days or months and add multiple tasks to a list
Defragmentation
A hard disk saves files as fragments on a disk. Even large disks may not have a single contiguous empty space large enough to hold a big file. The file is therefore saved as different parts, or fragments, in various locations on the disk. This means that the A read/write head or RW head is a device found on the arm of a hard drive that is used to read and write data from the hard drive's disk platter may need to move many times when seeking fragments and will take longer to read a file.
Defragmentation moves file fragments so they are next to each other on the disk. This reduces the time needed to read files.
Antivirus
A computer A small program written to cause harm to a computer. is a malicious software program designed to copy itself over and over again and attach itself to other programs.
Computer viruses attack the data and programs stored on your computer. It is important to have Anti-virus software scans all forms of storage devices for viruses (programs harmful to computers) and, if found, attempts to remove them. software installed to help prevent data loss or corruption.
Antivirus software is responsible for detecting and blocking or quarantining computer viruses. Antivirus software needs to be updated regularly as new viruses are created all the time. Most modern antivirus software will do this automatically at scheduled times.