← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

Utility software

System software that helps maintain, look after and protect a computer, such as antivirus, backup and file compression. It is separate from the operating system.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 4.1 Types of Software and Interrupts — Module 8

Understanding Utility software in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

What it does: File compression is a utility because it is a maintenance task that reduces file size and is not part of the operating system itself. Utility software is a type of system software. It looks after the computer. Word processors and presentation tools are application software. A disk formatter sets up a disk for use. Scanning for viruses is the job of antivirus software. Backup software is one example of utility software. It protects data by making a copy of it.

Common mistakes: Utility software looks after, maintains and protects the computer. Editing photos is a job for application software. Line 2 should describe a maintenance or protection task, such as "protect the computer". Utility software is a type of system software, not application software. Line 1 should be type ← "system software".

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 356–372) and word search (Modules 356–389).

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Learning
Duo
Which statement describes utility software?
Software used to write essays and make presentationsSystem software that helps maintain and protect the computer
Matches
Utility software is the same thing as the operating system
↓
Utility software is separate from the operating system. The OS manages the computer, while utilities do extra maintenance and protection jobs.
Applying
Meanings
Term
utility software
Meaning
System software that helps maintain, look after and protect a computer, such as antivirus, backup and file compression. It is separate from the operating system.
Practice
INPUT tool
Testing
Gaps
Utility software is software
Check Answer
Spots
1utility ← "system software"
2task ← "edit photos"

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Quick Questions

1. Which statement describes utility software?
A. System software that helps maintain and protect the computer ✓
B. Software used to write essays and make presentations
Utility software is a type of system software. It looks after the computer. Word processors and presentation tools are application software.
2. Which of these is an example of utility software?
A. Antivirus software ✓
B. A web browser
Antivirus software protects the computer from malware, so it is utility software. A web browser is application software.
3. Utility software is a type of...
A. Application software
B. System software ✓
Utility software is system software because it looks after the computer itself rather than helping the user do a task such as writing a letter.
4. Is utility software the same thing as the operating system?
A. No, it is separate from the operating system ✓
B. Yes, it is the operating system
Both are system software, but utilities are separate programs that do specific maintenance jobs. The operating system manages the whole computer.
5. Which task is done by utility software?
A. Editing photos for a school poster
B. Making a backup copy of files ✓
Backup software is a utility that keeps copies of files in case the originals are lost. Editing photos is a job for application software.

Match the Pairs

utility software → System software that helps maintain, look after and protect a computer, and is separate from the operating system
backup software → A utility that copies files to another location so they can be restored if the originals are lost or damaged
A utility that shrinks files so they take up less storage space and are quicker to send → file compression utility
A utility that protects the computer by scanning for and removing malware → antivirus software
Utility software is the same thing as the operating system → Utility software is separate from the operating system. The OS manages the computer, while utilities do extra maintenance and protection jobs.
A word processor is a utility program → A word processor is application software that helps the user create documents. It does not maintain or protect the computer, so it is not a utility.

Key Term

utility software
System software that helps maintain, look after and protect a computer, such as antivirus, backup and file compression. It is separate from the operating system.

Fill in the Blanks

1. Utility software is system software
Hint: Type the category of software that utilities belong to (not application software).
2. Antivirus is a utility that protects the PC
Hint: Type the verb that describes what antivirus does for the computer's safety.
3. A backup utility makes a copy of your files
Hint: Type the word for what a backup utility makes of your files so they can be restored later.
4. File compression makes files smaller in size
Hint: Type the word that describes how the file size changes after compression.
5. Utility software is not part of the OS
Hint: Type the abbreviation for the main system software that manages the computer.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A utility ← "system software"
B task ← "edit photos"
C example ← "antivirus"
Line B — Utility software looks after, maintains and protects the computer. Editing photos is a job for application software. Line 2 should describe a maintenance or protection task, such as "protect the computer".
Question 2
A type ← "application software"
B job ← "maintain the computer"
C example ← "backup"
Line A — Utility software is a type of system software, not application software. Line 1 should be type ← "system software".
Question 3
A antivirus ← "finds malware"
B backup ← "copies your files"
C defrag ← "groups file parts"
D zip ← "makes files bigger"
Line D — File compression utility software makes files smaller so they use less storage space. It does not make them bigger. Line 4 should say "makes files smaller".
Question 4
A DEFINE antivirus AS utility
B DEFINE backup AS utility
C DEFINE compressor AS game
Line C — A file compression tool is utility software, not a game. Line 3 should be DEFINE compressor AS utility.
Question 5
A IF virus_found = TRUE THEN
B RUN defragmenter
C ENDIF
Line B — Antivirus software is the utility that finds and removes viruses and other malware. A defragmenter only reorganises files on the disk. Line 2 should be RUN antivirus.

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