Edexcel GCSE Computer Science
4.4.2: understand the purpose and functions of utility software (managing, repairing and converting files; compression; defragmentation; backing up; anti-virus, anti-spyware)
4.4.2: understand the purpose and functions of utility software (managing, repairing and converting files; compression; defragmentation; backing up; anti-virus, anti-spyware)
| Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|
| Anti-spyware | a type of utility software that detects and removes programs which listen in to what the user types and does without their permission |
| Anti-virus | a type of utility software that checks each process to detect and remove malicious code before it causes any damage |
| Backup | a type of utility software that allows the user or operating system to make copies of files to secondary storage or an external / cloud storage device |
| Compression | a type of utility software that allows the user to reduce the amount of space a file or group of files takes on disk |
| Defragmentation | a type of utility software arranges data for each file so that it is stored in one particular area of a magnetic storage device in order to improve access speed. This is pointless on solid state devices because data can be read from any part of the SSD without the delay of physically moving the read / write head. |
| File Conversion | a type of utility software that allows files to be changed from one file format to another (e.g. from JPG to PDF) |
| File management | a type of utility software that lets the user rename, move, delete or copy files |
| File Repair | a type of utility software that allows corrupted or damaged files to be restored |
