Operating System Utility Programs & Stand-alone utility Programs

Utility Program Type of system software that allows a user to perform maintenance-type tasks. Type of system software that allows a user to perform maintenance-type tasks. Also called a utility Also called a utility Most operating systems include several built-in utility programs

Utilities Program

Utility programs included with operating system Functions: Functions: –Managing files –Viewing images –Securing a computer from unauthorized access –Uninstalling programs –Scanning disks –Defragmenting disks –Diagnosing problems –Backing up files and disks –Setting up screen savers

File Manager Utility that performs functions related to file and disk management. Utility that performs functions related to file and disk management. –Formatting and copying disks –Displaying a list of files on a storage medium –Checking the amount of used or free space on a storage medium –Organizing, copying, renaming, deleting, moving, and sorting files –Creating shortcuts

Shortcuts An icon on the desktop that provides a user with immediate access to a program or file. An icon on the desktop that provides a user with immediate access to a program or file.

Formatting a disk Process of preparing a disk for reading and writing. Process of preparing a disk for reading and writing.

Image Viewer Utility that allows users to display, copy, and print the content of a graphics file. Utility that allows users to display, copy, and print the content of a graphics file.

Personal Firewall Utility that detects and protects a personal computer from unauthorized intrusions. Utility that detects and protects a personal computer from unauthorized intrusions. Constantly monitor all transmissions to and from a computer. Constantly monitor all transmissions to and from a computer.

Uninstaller Utility that removes a program, as well as any associated entries in the system files. Utility that removes a program, as well as any associated entries in the system files.

Disk Scanner Utility that Utility that 1.Detects and corrects both physical and logical problems on a hard disk 2.Searches for and removes unnecessary files.

Disk Defragmenter Utility that reorganizes the files and unused space on a computer’s hard disk so the operating system accesses data more quickly and programs run faster. Utility that reorganizes the files and unused space on a computer’s hard disk so the operating system accesses data more quickly and programs run faster.

Diagnostic Utility Compiles technical information about your computer’s hardware and certain system software programs and then prepares a report outlining any identified problems. Compiles technical information about your computer’s hardware and certain system software programs and then prepares a report outlining any identified problems.

Backup utility Allows users to copy, or back up, selected files or an entire hard disk to another storage medium such as CD, DVD, external hard disk, tape, or USB flash drive. Allows users to copy, or back up, selected files or an entire hard disk to another storage medium such as CD, DVD, external hard disk, tape, or USB flash drive. Backup utilities include restore programs. Backup utilities include restore programs.

Screen Saver Utility that causes a display device’s screen to show a moving image or blank screen if no keyboard or mouse activity occurs for a specified time. Utility that causes a display device’s screen to show a moving image or blank screen if no keyboard or mouse activity occurs for a specified time. Are popular for security, business, and entertainment purposes. Are popular for security, business, and entertainment purposes.

STAND-ALONE utility programs Antivirus programs Antivirus programs –McAfee Viruscan –Norton AntiVirus Spyware removers Spyware removers –Spyware A program placed on a computer without the user’s knowledge that secretly collects information about the user. A program placed on a computer without the user’s knowledge that secretly collects information about the user.

STAND-ALONE utility programs Internet Filters Internet Filters –Anti-spam programs –Web filters –Pop-up blockers File Conversion File Conversion File compression File compression CD/DVD burning CD/DVD burning Personal computer maintenance Personal computer maintenance –Norton SystemWorks