Explain utility programs and write down their purpose
Explain utility programs and write down their purpose. Describe important steps of installation and un-installation of software. Also, elaborate on the process of software updating.
Utility programs function by organizing the disk content and storing the pieces of each file together. It also helps create a large amount of free space using compaction to impede the return of fragmentation. This happens when any operating system is unable to allocate space for storage as a single unit.
Utility Program
The utility program is a system application that executes a specific task, generally pertaining to optimal maintenance or operation of the system resources. Operating systems such as Windows, macOS, and Linux come with their own set of utility programs to maintain and execute different utility functions such as formatting, compressing, scanning, exploring, and much more.
Utility programs also assist with the management of computer functions, resources, and files. You can ensure complete password protection and keep your systems virus-free using different utility programs.
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Utility applications help in executing some of the most basic yet important functions in the operating system. Some of these basic yet crucial programs are:
Disk Defragmentation
Defragmentation is a process that helps reduce the amount of fragmentation in file systems. Utility programs function by organizing the disk content and storing the pieces of each file together. It also helps create a large amount of free space using compaction to impede the return of fragmentation. This happens when any operating system is unable to allocate space for storage as a single unit.
Disk Clean-up
Disk Clean-up with the help of a utility program, users can remove the unnecessary files that are taking up the space in their system. The program assists users to choose the drives, folders, or files unlit that need to be scanned and cleaned up. By removing unused files, the system will be able to increase the storage space and File Management.
With the help of a file management program, users can perform various functions related to the files saved in the system, such as searching, renaming, opening, renaming deleting, and grouping. These functions can be executed with the help of a file management program such as Windows Explorer. In addition, Widows also help in keeping a track of the root and the path of a file.
Compression
One of the biggest concerns of any computer system is its storage space. With time, the limited storage space in the hard disk starts getting smaller. Therefore, with the help of compression programs such as WinZip and WinRAR, important yet unused files can be compressed, stored, and easily extracted when required.
Important steps of installation and un-installation of software
Before you can use a program, you must first install it on your computer. Most programs come packaged in a CD or DVD and will automatically launch an install routine when you insert this media on your computer. If the installer does not automatically launch, open the CD or DVD in My Computer and look for a file named “setup”. When you click on the setup file, your program’s installation routine will begin. In some cases, you can get a cheaper version of a program if you choose to purchase it from an online store, in which case you only have to download the installer from a website to your hard drive and double-click on it to start the installation routine for that program. Many programs have their own uninstall routine which will remove the files that make up that program from your computer.
To manage the installed programs on your computer you will often use the add/Remove Programs applet in the Control Panel (Start, Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs).
You will rarely use this applet to add programs to your computer because most programs have their own installer. However, you will use this applet a lot to remove programs or change how they are installed. For example, if you have Microsoft Office installed on your computer you actually have a whole suite of programs installed. Microsoft Office includes individual programs for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, and email. If you want to completely uninstall Microsoft Office, click on the Remove button. If you only want to remove an individual Office program that you will not be using, click on Microsoft Office on the list displayed when you open the Add/Remove Programs applet, then click on the Change button.
This will open up another window where you can select to remove the whole suite or just change which programs are installed.
The steps for removing the program will vary for each program you have installed. Many programs actually share some files, and they may ask you during the uninstall process if you want to remove those shared files. Even though it will waste some disk space, it is often safer to just say yes when prompted and leave these shared files on your hard drive, in case they are needed by the system or by another program.
Updating of software
The process is similar on Windows computers. To update your system software on Windows, just follow these steps:
Click the Windows icon in your taskbar to open up the Start menu. (If you don’t already know, this icon is in the bottom left corner of your screen.)