3.2.2 Utility Software (B04)

programs that add functionality to a computer or improve its performance in some way

PROBLEM file can become corrupt as a result of a cyber attack or a device malfunction and will need to be repaired before it can be opened and read SOLUTION file repair tools scan the damaged file, extract as much data from it as possible and store it in a new usable file

creating backup copies of data and storing them in a seperate location to the live working environment (cloud?) so that they can be recovered in the event of data loss/damage backup tools are used for this

problem: not enough storage (you always manage to fill up the space with files tut tut tut :/) solution: use a data compression tool to reduce file size - free up storage space - speed up their transfer across networks. - used especially for audio and visual files

PROBLEM space on a disk becomes fragmented over time - when a new file is written to the disk, it ends up being scattered all over the disk (OS has to store file blocks wherever space is available). (only a problem for HDDs as the heads have to move all over the disk platter to read/write data. although SSDs can become fragmented - this is not a problem (actually it is not recommended to defragment a SSD as it can shorten the life span) SOLUTION use a disk defragmenter which rearranges the files so that every file is stored in sequential sectors and free space is consolidated (grouped together)

detects and provides protection against attacks from malicious software