Utility Software (OCR A Level Computer Science)

Disk Defragmentation

To rearrange the files on a hard drive to increase efficiency

By putting files into contiguous blocks and minimizing empty spaces, disk defragmentation speeds up file access and can improve overall system performance

Modern SSDs generally don't require defragmentation

File Management

To organize, search, rename, and relocate files stored on the system

Includes creating, deleting, moving, and renaming files and folders

Windows Explorer, macOS Finder

Device Driver

To provide an interface between the hardware and the operating systems

Ensures that the OS and programs can communicate with the hardware without needing to know the hardware's precise details

The OS usually manages drivers, but users may sometimes need to update them

System Cleanup

To free up space on the system by removing unnecessary files and data

System cleanup utilities remove temporary files, system cache, unused applications, and other "junk" that can slow down the system

CCleaner, Disk Cleanup on Windows

Security

To protect the computer system from various threats like viruses, malware, and spyware

Monitors the system and controls the computer's activities to protect it from threats

Norton, McAfee, Windows Defender