GCSE > Computer Science > AQA > GCSE Computer Science > COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Operating systems and utility software > Utility system software
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COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Encoding and compression

COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Network topologies

COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Wired and wireless networks, protocols, and layers

COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Threats to computer systems and networks

COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Operating systems and utility software

COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Impact of technology on society

ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING: Types of data

ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING: Producing robust programs

ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING: Designing, creating, and refining algorithms

ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING: Programming languages

ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING: Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  • Encryption software: prevents unauthorised access to files and protect sensitive files/drives from unauthorised users (e.g. in case of theft or hacking). 
    • Uses an encryption algorithm to “scramble” data. 
    • Only users with the correct key can decrypt and access the data.
    •  Often works on-the-fly with the operating system (e.g. BitLocker, FileVault).
  • Defragmentation utilities: improve hard disk performance by reorganising fragmented data.
    • Moves file fragments so each file’s data is stored in adjacent blocks. 
    • Groups free space together to reduce future fragmentation.
    • Makes file access faster and reduces wear-and-tear on the disk.
    • Not used with SSDs (Solid State Drives) as they have no moving parts and defragging can shorten their lifespan. 
  • Backup utilities: create copies of data that can be restored in case of data loss.
    • Can be either a full or incremental backup.
    • Full backup includes all data but takes longer and uses more space. This is typically scheduled (e.g. weekly or monthly). 
    • Incremental backup includes only files that have changed (i.e. newly created or recently edited) since the last backup. This is quicker and uses less space.
  • Compression utilities: reduce the size of files, saving storage space and making data transfer more efficient. 
    • Uses lossless compression algorithms to shrink files without losing data. 
    • Can compress many files/folders into one archive (e.g. .zip, .rar).
    • Often includes password protection for security.
    • Also allows decompression or extraction of files for access.

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