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Utility Software: Encryption & Defragmentation

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Encryption Software

Encryption software is essential whenever sensitive data is being transferred or stored.

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What is encryption?

  • Encryption is the "scrambling" of data.
  • It works by applying a special encryption algorithm to the data in the file.
  • Encryption processes are very mathematical processes. Strong encryption algorithms can be the result of years of professional research.
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What is decryption?

  • Decryption is when an authorised party uses a special key to un-scramble the data.
  • The key prevents unauthorised users from accessing the data.
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Encryption in operating systems

  • Good encryption utilities will work closely with the operating system to encrypt and decrypt files in real time as you need to access them.

Defragmentation Software

Defragmentation software is a common type of utility software.

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Fragmentation

  • When files are written to secondary storage, they are not always written in one continuous block. They may be split up.
  • If a single file is stored in different places on a storage device, we say that the file is fragmented.
  • Fragmented files take longer to load.
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Defragmentation

  • Defragmentation software reorganises the data on the storage device so that data from the same file is stored in adjacent blocks.
  • Defragmentation software will increase the performance of the computer.
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Solid state drives

  • Solid state drives (SSDs) provide random access to data.
  • This means that fragmented data does not take any longer to load.
  • SSDs should never be defragmented because this will push the device towards its read/write cycle limit, which shortens its lifetime.

Jump to other topics

1Computer Systems

1.1Systems Architecture

1.2Memory & Storage

1.3Computer Networks, Connections & Protocols

1.4Network Security

1.5Systems Software

1.6Ethical, Legal, Cultural & Environmental Concern

2Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming

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