What does a backup utility do?

A backup utility copies chosen files to another storage device or to the cloud. The utility can run automatically on a schedule, so backups are not forgotten.

What does a data compression utility do?

A compression utility packs one or more files into a smaller archive, such as a zip file. The utility extracts the original files again when they are needed.

What is disk fragmentation?

Fragmentation is the parts of a file being stored in separate places across a hard disk. Fragmentation builds up as files are saved, deleted and enlarged over time.

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science 1CP2

Computational Thinking

Topic overview Decomposition, abstraction and subprograms Algorithms, flowcharts and pseudocode Operators and trace tables Logic errors, test data and efficiency Searching and sorting algorithms Truth tables

Data

Topic overview Binary, states and unsigned integers Two's complement Binary addition, overflow and shifts Hexadecimal ASCII and the limits of binary representation Bitmap images Sound sampling Storage units, file sizes and compression

Computers

Topic overview Von Neumann architecture and the fetch-decode-execute cycle Secondary storage: magnetic, optical and solid state Embedded systems Operating systems Utility software and robust software Low-level and high-level languages and translators

Networks

Topic overview LANs, WANs and the structure of the internet Wired and wireless connectivity and network speed Network protocols The four-layer TCP/IP model Bus, star and mesh topologies Network security and protection

Issues and Impact

Topic overview Environmental impact of digital devices Personal data: privacy, ownership and consent Artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics Intellectual property: copyright, patents, trademarks and licences Malware, hacking and social engineering Protecting digital systems and data

Problem Solving with Programming

Topic overview Readable code, debugging and testing Selection and loops in Python Data types, conversion, variables and constants String handling Lists, two-dimensional lists and records Keyboard input, screen output and CSV files Validation and authentication in Python Operators, functions and variable scope Turtle graphics

Computers

Utility software and robust software

3 things to know
Paper 1

Overview

File repair, backup, compression, defragmentation and anti-malware utilities, robust software and why it matters, and finding vulnerabilities with audit trails and code reviews.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

What is utility software?

Key term

What does a file repair utility do?

Key term

How can a file become corrupted?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What is utility software?
Model answer
Utility software is a program that helps to maintain, protect or tidy a computer system. A utility supports the operating system rather than doing the user's own work.
2
What does a file repair utility do?
Model answer
A file repair utility tries to fix files that have become corrupted. The utility recovers as much of the readable data as it can.
3
How can a file become corrupted?
Model answer
A file can be damaged if the power fails while the file is being saved. Faulty areas of a disk and software crashes can also corrupt files.
4
What does a backup utility do?
Model answer
A backup utility copies chosen files to another storage device or to the cloud. The utility can run automatically on a schedule, so backups are not forgotten.
5
What does a data compression utility do?
Model answer
A compression utility packs one or more files into a smaller archive, such as a zip file. The utility extracts the original files again when they are needed.
6
What is disk fragmentation?
Model answer
Fragmentation is the parts of a file being stored in separate places across a hard disk. Fragmentation builds up as files are saved, deleted and enlarged over time.

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Computational Thinking

Data

Computers

Networks

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