Utility Software

• What is utility software?

  Programs for maintenance and organization
• What is the purpose of utility software?

  To perform tasks not done by the OS
• Name an example of utility software.

  Anti-malware software
• What is data compression?

  A utility that reduces file size
• What are some types of utility software?

  • Backup software
  • Disk checkers
  • Disk formatters
  • Auto-updaters
• What is fragmentation in the context of files?

  Files split into parts in different locations
• How does fragmentation occur?

  Limited contiguous space for file storage
• Why does fragmentation increase access time?

  Files are stored far apart on the disk
• What happens during defragmentation?

  File fragments are moved to be contiguous
• What is the effect of defragmentation on file access time?

  It reduces the time to read files
• How does defragmentation affect the read/write head movement?

  It reduces the distance the head moves
• Why is it quicker to save new files after defragmentation?

  More free space is available together
• What are the effects of defragmenting a hard disk drive?

  • Reduced access time for files
  • Less movement of the read/write head
  • Quicker saving of new files
• What is the exam board and specification mentioned in the material?

  OCR Specification J277
• What section explains anti-malware software?

  Section 4.2
• What section explains data compression?

  Section 2.5
• What is the main function of backup software?

  To create copies of data for recovery
• What do disk checkers do?

  They scan and repair disk errors
• What is the role of disk formatters?

  To prepare disks for data storage
• What do auto-updaters do?

  They automatically update software applications
• What is the impact of technology on computer systems?

  It enhances performance and capabilities
• What is the purpose of housekeeping in computer systems?

  To maintain and organize the system