Utility Software Presentation Script
Part 1: [Link]
Slide 1: Utility Software
This is the title slide. The topic is Utility Software. It was made by Sana and Araiya.
Slide 2: Understanding Utility Programs
Utility programs are part of system software. They help manage, maintain, and
control computer resources. They improve the computer’s performance and make
sure it works smoothly.
Slide 3: User-Initiated Tools & Background Operations
Some utilities need the user to start them manually to do certain tasks. Others work
in the background all the time without you doing anything (like antivirus software).
Slide 4: Key Types of Utility Programs
Utility programs have many types and functions:
- Virus Checkers: Protect computers from malware and other threats.
- Defragmentation Software: Makes the hard disk faster by reorganizing files
properly.
- Disk Analysis: Checks the disk for problems and fixes them.
- File Management: Helps to compress and organize files.
- Backup Software: Makes copies of your data so you can recover it later if lost.
- Security Utilities: Improves the overall security of the system.
Slide 5: Safeguarding Against Malware: Virus Checkers
Every device (even mobile phones and tablets) can get a virus. Operating systems
often have basic virus checkers, but they need to be updated regularly and should
run in the background. To prevent viruses: Browse the internet carefully. Do NOT
open unknown email attachments. Use only licensed (legal) software.
Slide 6: Key Features of Anti-Virus Software
Antivirus software has four main features:
1. Pre-Execution Scanning: Checks files for viruses before you open them.
2. Database Comparison: Compares files to a large database of known viruses.
3. Heuristic Detection: Detects suspicious behavior, which is important for new or
unknown viruses.
4. Regular Updates: The antivirus must be updated all the time, because new viruses
appear constantly.
Slide 7: Understanding Heuristic Checking
Heuristic checking is an advanced method used by antivirus software. It looks at the
behavior of files instead of just comparing them to a virus list. This helps detect new
or changing viruses (polymorphic viruses) that are not yet in the database. It gives
an extra layer of security because it works even for viruses that have never been
seen before.
Slide 8: The Role of Quarantine in Antivirus
When a threat is found: It is moved to a safe, isolated area called quarantine, so it
cannot harm your computer. Many antivirus programs can automatically delete
quarantined files, which means confirmed threats are removed immediately. Users
can check the quarantined files and decide if they should delete or restore them,
especially if the antivirus made a mistake (false positive).
Slide 9: Importance of Full System Checks
Some viruses are dormant, meaning they stay hidden and do nothing for a while, so
quick scans might miss them. Full system checks: Scan every file and every sector of
the system. Detect hidden or inactive viruses. It is recommended to do a full system
scan at least once a week to keep the system safe.
Slide 10: Defragmentation Software Explained
As an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) fills up, files become scattered across the disk. This
happens because of continuous creation, deletion, and editing of files. This is called
fragmentation and it slows down the computer because the read/write head must
move a lot to find all the file pieces. Defragmentation software reorganizes these
scattered pieces and puts them in continuous sectors (together in order). This
makes the HDD faster by reducing head movements. A diagram is shown to
illustrate how files look before and after defragmentation.
Part 2: Utility-Software [Link]
Slide 1: Understanding System Software and Utility Programs
This is the title for this section. It focuses on system software and utility programs,
explaining their roles in keeping the system efficient.
Slide 2: Faster Data Access After Defragmentation
After defragmentation, the hard disk will have files placed in order. This makes data
access and retrieval much faster because the read/write head moves less. Example:
After defragmentation, Track 11 would be empty (meaning gaps are removed).
Slide 3: The Role of Backup Software
Manual backups are useful, but built-in backup utilities in the OS are even better.
They make data protection easier and more reliable. Backup utilities provide
important features:
1. Scheduled Backups: Automatically create backups at regular times, so you don’t
forget.
2. Incremental Backups: Only back up files that changed since the last backup (saves
space and time).
Slide 4: Comprehensive Backup Strategies
For the best security, you should keep three copies of your files:
1. Current Version: The file you are working on, stored on your computer’s HDD or
SSD.
2. Local Backup: A copy on an external drive (like an external SSD) for quick
recovery.
3. Remote Backup: A copy stored online (cloud storage) to protect against disasters
like fire or theft.
Slide 5: Windows Backup Utility Features
The Windows backup tool can: Restore data – Bring back lost files or even the whole
system from a backup. Create restore points – Like a “time machine” that lets you go
back to a stable system state (very helpful if something gets deleted or corrupted).
Choose storage location – You can select where backups are saved (external device
or network).
Slide 6: Understanding Windows File History
Windows has a feature called File History that: Takes snapshots of your files
regularly and stores them on an external HDD. Builds a library of past versions of
files, so you can get an older version anytime. Default settings: Backs up every hour.
Keeps older versions forever (you can change this if you want).
Slide 7: Mac OS Time Machine Utility
Mac has a tool called Time Machine: It can do a full system restore by replacing
everything on the drive with a backup. Needs an external drive (HDD or SSD)
connected via USB. Does backups automatically: Hourly backups. Daily backups for
the past month. Weekly backups for all earlier months.
Slide 8: Backup Software: A Visual Overview
This slide shows a diagram of how backup software works and what steps are
involved. (Explain diagram briefly if asked.)
Slide 9: Comprehensive Security Software
Security utilities handle many things: Access Control & User Accounts – Manages
usernames and passwords to control who can use the system. Integration with
Other Utilities – Works with antivirus and antispyware for full protection. Network
Protection – Uses firewalls to keep network safe. Data Encryption & Decryption –
Makes data unreadable to hackers without a key. Software Update Oversight –
Makes sure updates are safe and not fake.
Slide 10: Screensavers: From Protection to Customization
Old purpose: Screensavers stopped “phosphor burn” on old CRT monitors by
showing moving images when you were away. Today: Screensavers are mostly for
customization because new screens (LCD, OLED) don’t burn in easily. Extra security:
Many screensavers now log out or lock the computer after inactivity, which is useful
on shared computers.
Slide 11: Beyond Aesthetics: Functional Screensavers
Screensavers can do useful tasks: Run virus scans while the computer is idle.
Distributed computing – Allow apps to use your computer’s power when you’re not
using it. Gaming updates – Online games can update in the background when you’re
away, so they’re ready when you come back.
