1.7 Utility Software

Incremental backup

A copy of a set of files which contains only those files which have been created or altered since the last full backup.

Full backup

A copy of a set of specified files, often the entire contents of a disk, regardless of when they were last modified.

Virus

A program that is installed on a computer without your knowledge or permission with the purpose of doing harm. It includes instructions to replicate automatically on a computer and between computers.

Spyware

A program that secretly records the user's actions on the computer including passwords and personal details they type when accessing a secure site.

Definition of utility software

A relatively small program that has one purpose, usually concerned with the maintenance of the system.

File transfer & file management

A utility program that allows the user to create a logical view of how their files are organised using folders. Allows the user to move files within folders, copy, paste, name and delete files.

System Cleanup

A utility program that deletes unnecessary files and settings to optimise the computer's performance.

Disk Defragmenter

A utility program that optimises the use of the hard disk space by collecting together the separate parts of each file in one location on the disk as well as grouping together the space so newly saved files do not have to be fragmented (split up).

System Information and Diagnosis

A utility program that presents information about the computer hardware and usage as well as information to help diagnose problems.

Antivirus Software

A utility program that prevents harmful programs being installed and important files being changed. If a harmful program does install itself, this software detects and removes it.

Firewall

A utility program that prevents unauthorised access to computers or a LAN from the internet and controls what sites computers on the LAN can access.

Automatic Update

A utility program that, for any software already installed on the computer, will regularly check on the internet for newer versions and updates, download and install them.

Defragmentation

A utility that reduces the amount of data separation on a hard drive by physically organising the contents of the disk to group together the pieces of each file.

Advantages of a full backup

-Easy recovery as complete data is readily available -Files and folders are backed up to one backup set -Easy version control

Advantages of an incremental backup

-Fast backup as there is less data as compared to full backups -Less storage space needed -Allows retention of several versions of same files

Disadvantages of a full backup

-More storage space is needed -Additional bandwidth required -Time-consuming if run all the time

Disadvantages of an incremental backup

-Slower recovery, as all increments must be restored -Initial full backup is needed before incremental backups start -A full backup and all incremental backups are needed for recovery -Takes longer to restore a specific file, as you need to search more than one backup set -If one of the backups fails (either the full or incremental), then recovery will be incomplete