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Knowledge/A Level/H446/01 Computer systems/Applications Generation/Utilities

Utilities

Utilities.

1.2.2 Applications Generation

Practise exam questions

Applications Generation — Note 2 of 6

Candidates need to understand the purpose and role of utility software in a computer system. Candidates should be familiar with a range of utility software (e.g. disk defragmentation, file management, device driver, system cleanup, security etc.)

What you need to know

Utility software performs housekeeping tasks that help maintain, optimise and protect the computer. Utilities support the operating system rather than carrying out tasks for the user.

What to know

  • Disk defragmenter: rearranges fragmented files on a hard disk so each file's blocks are stored contiguously, reducing read-head movement and access time. Not needed for SSDs.
  • Backup utility: copies files to another location, often automatically on a schedule. Full backups copy everything; incremental backups copy only files changed since the last backup.
  • Compression utility: reduces file sizes to save storage space and transmission time.
  • Anti-malware: scans files for known malware signatures and suspicious behaviour, quarantining or removing threats.
  • Disk cleanup: removes temporary and unneeded files to free space.
  • File manager: lets users create, copy, move, rename and delete files and folders.
  • Encryption utility: encrypts files or whole drives so they cannot be read without the key.

Key terms

Utility software

Small programs that perform a specific maintenance task to keep the computer running efficiently and securely.

Exam technique

  • Tip:When describing a utility, explain what it DOES and WHY that helps, not just its name.

Ready to test yourself?

Practise 1.2.2 questions
← Previous noteThe nature of applications, justifying suitable applications for a specific purpose1.2.2 Applications GenerationNext note →Open source vs closed source1.2.2 Applications Generation

Back to Applications Generation

Applications Generation

Note 2 of 6

  1. 1The nature of applications, justifying suitable applications for a specific purpose
  2. 2Utilities
  3. 3Open source vs closed source
  4. 4Translators: interpreters, compilers and assemblers
  5. 5Stages of compilation: lexical analysis, syntax analysis, code generation and optimisation
  6. 6Linkers and loaders and use of libraries
Topic overview