This key facts covers Types of Utility Software within Utility Software for GCSE Computer Science. Revise Utility Software in 3.4 Computer Systems for GCSE Computer Science with 15 exam-style questions and 10 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 2 of 7 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Types of Utility Software
| Utility | Purpose | How it Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Defragmentation | Reorganises fragmented files on HDD | Faster file access (NOT needed for SSDs) |
| Disk Cleanup | Removes temporary/unnecessary files | Frees up storage space |
| Anti-malware | Detects and removes malicious software | Protects system security |
| Backup | Creates copies of files/system | Recovery after data loss |
| Compression | Reduces file sizes | Saves space, faster transfers |
| Encryption | Scrambles data to make it unreadable | Protects sensitive information |
Practice questions for Utility Software
Which of the following is an example of utility software?
Explain what defragmentation software does and why it improves the performance of a hard disk drive.
Quick recall flashcards
What is utility software?
Programs that maintain and optimise computer systems
Name 4 utility programs
Defrag, backup, anti-malware, compression, encryption