5. List and explain the five common types of utility programs. (10 marks)
6. By use of a diagram, describe the relationship between the two types of software, the
hardware and you the user. (10 marks)
5. The five common types of utility programs are:
a) Disk Cleanup: This utility program helps to free up disk space by identifying and removing unnecessary files and programs from the computer. It clears temporary files, old system files, and empties the recycle bin, among other tasks. Disk Cleanup helps to optimize the performance and speed of the computer by organizing the storage space better.
b) Disk Defragmenter: When files are stored on a computer's hard drive, they may become fragmented, meaning they are stored in different locations on the disk. Disk Defragmenter rearranges these fragmented files and stores them in contiguous blocks, resulting in faster access and improved overall performance. It helps to optimize the computer's storage and improve its speed.
c) Antivirus Program: An antivirus program protects the computer from various types of malware, including viruses, worms, Trojans, and spyware. It scans files and programs for any malicious content, quarantines or deletes infected files, and provides real-time protection to prevent attacks. Antivirus programs frequently update their virus definitions to stay up to date with the latest threats.
d) Backup Software: Backup software enables the creation and maintenance of copies of important data and files. It allows users to schedule automatic backups and choose the files and folders they want to back up. Backup software can save data to external drives, network storage, or cloud storage. It helps to protect against data loss due to hardware failures, accidental deletion, or system crashes.
e) File Compression: File compression software reduces the size of files and folders by compressing them into a smaller format. This helps to save storage space, speed up file transfer, and improve efficiency. Compressed files can be easily decompressed and restored to their original state. Common compression formats include ZIP, GZIP, and RAR.
6. The diagram below illustrates the relationship between the two types of software (system software and application software), hardware, and the user.
[User] -- (uses) --> [Application Software] -- (interacts with) --> [Operating System (System Software)] -- (runs on) --> [Hardware]
Explanation:
- The user interacts directly with the application software, which consists of programs designed for specific tasks, such as word processing, spreadsheet management, or web browsing.
- The application software requires the operating system (system software) to run, which acts as an intermediary between the hardware and the application software. The operating system provides various services, including managing hardware resources, running applications, and providing a user interface.
- The operating system runs on the hardware, which includes the physical components of the computer system, such as the CPU, memory, storage devices, and input/output devices. Hardware executes instructions and provides resources to run the software.
- The user interacts with the hardware indirectly through the application software and the operating system. Inputs from the user are processed by the application software and transmitted to the operating system, which then communicates with the hardware to execute the requested actions. Similarly, outputs from the hardware are processed by the operating system and presented to the user through the application software.