1.5.2 Utility Software

• What is the primary function of utility software?

  Utility software helps maintain the system.
• What is encryption?

  Encryption is the process of disguising a message or file so that it cannot be understood by anyone but its intended recipient.
• What is required for encryption to work?

  Encryption requires the use of a key.
• What is the role of the key in encryption?

  The key is secret and is used to scramble or unscramble the data.
• How are files stored on a hard disk?

  Files are stored not as a whole file, but as a series of segments.
• What happens to files over time on a hard disk?

  Over time, more and more files become fragmented, as do individual files.
• What is the effect of a fragmented disk on computer performance?

  A fragmented disk takes longer to read from and write to, making a computer run slower.
• What does defragmentation software do?

  Defragmentation software rearranges fragmented files so that they run contiguously.
• What is the benefit of defragmentation?

  Defragmentation decreases read/write time, thereby speeding up computer performance.
• What is the purpose of compression software?

  Compression software reduces the file size of files.
• What are the benefits of using compression software?

  Benefits include using less storage space, faster transmission, and storing more files.
• What is the difference between lossy and lossless compression?

  Lossless compression will not remove data permanently, while lossy compression is permanent deletion of "unnoticeable" data.
• What are the types of compression used in compression software?

  • Lossless compression: No permanent data removal
  • Lossy compression: Permanent deletion of "unnoticeable" data