Lesson 1.5.2

1.5.2 Utility software Quiz: OCR Computer Science, Unit 5

20 questions

Written by Revision Ninja · Last reviewed 11 October 2026

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Lesson 1.5.2, Utility software: 20 multiple choice questions for the OCR GCSE Computer Science (J277), Unit 5: Systems software, written with Revision Ninja.

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The 20 questions

  1. What is the primary purpose of utility software?

    • Compiling code
    • Housekeeping tasks
    • Managing memory
    • Running applications

  2. What is the main purpose of defragmentation?

    • Rearranging files
    • Encrypting data
    • Deleting files
    • Compressing files

  3. What is the main purpose of encryption software?

    • Organising files
    • Scrambling data
    • Backing up
    • Reducing size

  4. What is the primary function of data compression software?

    • Securing data
    • Reducing file size
    • Fixing fragmentation
    • Scanning viruses

  5. Which of these is an example of utility software?

    • Web browser
    • Disk defragmenter
    • Spreadsheet application
    • Video game

  6. Why do computers typically come with pre-installed utility software?

    • For system maintenance
    • For game rendering
    • For web browsing
    • For word processing

  7. Why is utility software needed in addition to the operating system?

    • Extra maintenance tasks
    • Running hardware
    • Booting the PC
    • Controlling the CPU

  8. What is disk fragmentation?

    • Encrypted folders
    • Deleted blocks
    • Corrupted sectors
    • Scattered file pieces

  9. A computer's hard disk has become slow after months of use. Which utility is most appropriate?

    • Defragmentation
    • Email client
    • Data compression software
    • Encryption software

  10. A user wants to keep the files on a laptop protected if it is stolen. Which utility should be used?

    • Data compression software
    • Defragmentation software
    • Encryption software
    • Printer driver

  11. A user must email a folder of photos that is over the size limit. Which utility is suitable?

    • Data compression software
    • Encryption software only
    • Defragmentation software
    • Device driver

  12. Why might compression and encryption be used together on a file?

    • Automatic virus removal
    • Better disk formatting
    • Faster processor speed
    • Smaller secure file

  13. A user wants to remove files that are no longer needed to free up space. Which type of utility helps?

    • Data compression software
    • Encryption software
    • Device driver
    • Disk clean-up utility

  14. How does defragmentation improve magnetic hard drive performance?

    • Encrypts sectors
    • Deletes old cache
    • Increases disk space
    • Moves fragments together

  15. Why should disk maintenance utilities be run regularly?

    • Upgrades the CPU
    • Replaces broken RAM
    • Prevents file clutter
    • Extends battery life

  16. Why is keeping an encryption key secure vital?

    • Prevents unauthorised access
    • Speeds up downloads
    • Saves disk space
    • Stops file fragmentation

  17. Why should a file be compressed before encryption?

    • Compression adds strong keys
    • Plaintext files process slower
    • Encrypted data resists compression
    • Encryption corrupts raw text

  18. Why is defragmentation unnecessary on a solid-state drive (SSD)?

    • SSDs lack storage
    • SSDs never fragment
    • SSDs are read-only
    • No moving heads

  19. What type of software performs routine system maintenance tasks like defragmentation?

    • Application software
    • Utility software
    • Operating system
    • Translator software

  20. Why might encryption software require regular updates?

    • Keys expire daily
    • New attack methods
    • Files grow larger
    • Disks get fragmented

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