T.L.E.

9
Computer Programming
Software Tools

Utility software is a smaller sub type of system software which is used to manage and protect the data on
a system. There are a number of different types of utility program, some of which are automatically
installed along with your operating system as they are vital to maintaining the smooth running of the
computer. Utility Software helps analyze, optimize, configure, and maintain a computer. Examples of
utilities
include anti-virus software, backup tools, and disk tools that allow you to analyze a hard drive or
compress data to save space.

A PC’s problem is not always apparent.

 The problem often lies deep inside the computer.
 You must employ something other than hardware tools.
 This is where diagnostic and troubleshooting software comes in.
 Installing and uninstalling the tools after each use or getting your customer to purchase a license may be involved.

Domestic tool
BIOS POST
 One of most effective diagnostic tools available
 Built right into the PC
 Runs automatically every time PC is powered on
 If serious hardware problem exists, POST will find it and report it to you
POST Card
l A piece of hardware
l Makes the POST even better tool
l Dedicated circuit that interprets POST error codes
l Saves you from having to count beeps.

SCANDISK.EXE
l Checks and reports hard disk problems
§ File system corruption
§ Hard disk read errors (Hard Disk remember is like the storage on your cellphone)

File Management
§ With many files being saved on the computer system, file management
software allows us to organise our files and data into logical pathways
called folders. When you open up your library folders on your system
you are using file management.
§ The ability to name folders (which create pathways to a document)
makes it easier for the user to quickly find and access their files. The
computer system keeps track of these pathways in an internal table that
allows it to present our files to us in a humanistic way through showing
 us icons on a desktop.

Security
Security software includes applications like anti-virus, anti-malware, and
firewalls. All security software on the computer system is aimed at protecting the
data from malicious attacks and unauthorized access.
Although the operating system is responsible for authenticating users, sometimes
attackers will gain unauthorized access to the system which puts data at risk.
Encryption Software
Encryption software is another form of protecting our data. Encryption means to take
a plain text message and use an algorithm to change the text into an unreadable format, so that if the data
is stolen or intercepted cannot be understood.
Encryption software uses this algorithm to create ciphertext (encrypted text), and decrypt the messages
that have been sent to us securely. Encryption software may also be used to encrypt the data on the
computer system itself making it unreadable unless the user has additional authentication such as a
password to open the file.
Defragmentation Software - As more and more data is saved on the hard
drive, especially the hard disk drive (HDD) large sections of available space
in which to save the data become difficult to find.
When this happens, part of the file will be saved in the first available location
taking up as much space as possible, with the rest of the file being stored in
the next available location on the disc. This is called file fragmentation.
Sometimes, files can be fragmented many times because of the available
space left on the disk created by deleting other files.

Uninstaller - Removes conflicting or out-of-

date DLLs, etc. Removes orphaned or unwanted
files. The Add or Remove Programs is a
feature in Microsoft Windows that lets a
user uninstall and manage the software installed
on their computer. This feature was introduced
in Windows 98 as Add/Remove Programs, later
renamed Programs and Features in Windows
Vista and Windows 7, and then Apps &
features in Windows 10.

Antivirus - A virus can be defined as a malicious program that attaches itself to

a host program and makes multiple copies of itself, slowing down, corrupting
or destroying the system. A software that assists the OS in providing virus free
environment to the users is called antivirus. An anti-virus scans the system for
any virus and if detected, gets rid of it by deleting or isolating it. It can detect
many types of virus like boot virus, Trojan, worm, spyware, etc.
When any external storage device like USB drive is attached to the system,
anti-virus software scans it and gives an alert if a virus is detected. You can set
up your system for periodic scans or scan whenever you feel the need. A
combination of both the techniques is advisable to keep your system virus free. A variety of antivirus
software packages on market.

Activities
Activity 1.
Activity 2. Identification
1. This utility software can be run to free some available space left on the disk created by deleting
other files.
2. This software protects our data by making a plain text message and use an algorithm to change
the text into an unreadable format, so that if the data is stolen or intercepted cannot be understood.
3. This tool can remove conflicting DLL files.
4. This tool will let you update software needed for devices.
Activity 3 Application Software:
Give at least 5 examples for each:
Computer Antivirus Word Processing Internet Operating system
Games Browsers