Utility Software

• Utility System Software

  Encryption software

  Defragmentation

  Data compression

  Disk clean-up tools, disk formatters, anti-virus software
• Utility Software

  utility programs perform extra functionality and housekeeping tasks that keep computers running efficiently
• Encryption Software


  used to encode text so that it cannot be understood without knowing the key to decode it
• Encryption for connection to websites

  web browsers usually show a padlock for sites that are using HTTPS
• Encryption Software utilities used to


  encrypt entire hard disks so that the data cannot be understood if the computer is stolen

  encrypt files and folders on portable disks such as USB removeable storage

  encrypt communication with websites

  encrypt data in an organisation's database (sensitive data such as passwords)
• Disk Defragmentation


  large file may not fit on the disk in consecutive memory locations

  file is referred to as 'fragmented'

  defragmenting the hard disks reorganises files so they are stored together
• Why is file referred to as 'fragmented'

  in order to read the file, the drive head will need to move to more locations

  this makes it slower to access files and programs
• Advantages of Defragmentation

  read times are far faster

  free space is also in one place so new files so not need to be framed
• Data Compression Software


  utilities such as WinZip enable users to compress and decompress files or folders
• Why data compression software is useful

  reduces the amount of storage space is needed on a disk

  if sending files, it reduces amount of data that is sent

  compression may allow attachments to be sent via email that would otherwise have been larger than file-size limit

  more data can be stored on backup media