Utility software is a category of system software designed to help configure, maintain, and optimise a computer. Unlike the OS (which manages all hardware and software) or application software (which serves users directly), utility programs perform specific maintenance tasks in the background or on demand.
Antivirus software detects, prevents, and removes malware (malicious software). It works using several techniques:
| Technique | How it works |
|---|---|
| Signature scanning | Compares files against a database of known malware signatures (patterns). Fast but requires frequent database updates to catch new threats. |
| Heuristic analysis | Analyses program behaviour for suspicious patterns (e.g. trying to modify system files). Can detect new (zero-day) threats not yet in the database. |
| Sandboxing | Runs suspicious files in an isolated environment to observe behaviour before allowing them to execute on the real system. |
| Real-time monitoring | Continuously checks files as they are accessed, downloaded, or executed. |
Over time, files stored on a HDD become fragmented — stored in non-contiguous sectors. The read/write head must move to multiple locations to read a single file, slowing access.
Defragmentation rearranges the data so files are stored in contiguous sectors, reducing head movement and improving read speed.
⚠️ Defragmentation is not needed for SSDs. SSDs have no moving parts and access all locations in equal time. Running a defragmenter on an SSD wastes write cycles and reduces the SSD's lifespan.
Backup software copies data to a secondary location to protect against data loss. There are three types of backup:
Copies all data every time. Simplest to restore from — only one backup set needed.
Slowest to createMost storage space needed
Backs up only files changed since the last backup (whether full or incremental).
Fastest to createSlowest to restore — needs full + all incrementals
Backs up files changed since the last full backup (grows each time).
Medium speedRestore needs full + latest differential only
File compression tools (e.g. WinZip, 7-Zip) reduce file sizes to save storage space and speed up file transfers. They may use lossless compression (ZIP, GZIP) so the original files are perfectly recoverable after decompression.
| Utility | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Disk cleanup | Removes temporary files, browser cache, and redundant system files to free up disk space |
| System monitoring | Displays real-time information about CPU usage, RAM usage, disk activity, and network traffic (e.g. Task Manager in Windows) |
| Encryption software | Encrypts files or entire drives (e.g. BitLocker) to protect data at rest from unauthorised access |
| Firewall | Monitors network traffic; blocks unauthorised inbound/outbound connections based on rules |
8 questions · 23 marks
| Term | Definition |
|---|
Timed exam conditions.