1.5.2 - Utility Software

To perform ‘housekeeping’ tasks that the OS can’t do to help maintain the system

• Defragmentation software • Compression software • Encryption software

Reduces file sizes or stores data in a different way This allows for quicker transmission across a network and more files can be stored in the same set amount of space

To scramble a users data so that if the data is intercepted, it cannot be understood by unauthorised users. Means only the sender and intended recipient can understand the data

Keys. The sender and intended recipient both have one each.

Allows only authorised users to read the data

• When files are stored they are put into any available space • This fragments the files as often the spaces aren’t big enough • Defrag software puts all the related parts of a file adjacent to each other

• Reduces read write time and therefore increases computer performance • Less time to save new files as there are large spaces together meaning new files don’t have to be split/fragmented

Solid state drives as they have no moving parts. Defragmenting them reduces their life span