What Are Computer System Utilities?

Personal computers come equipped with utility programs designed to enhance performance.

Personal computers come loaded with utility programs designed to help resolve issues and maintain optimum performance. These utilities are easily accessed by clicking "Start," selecting the "Accessories" options, then "System Tools."

System Restore

"System Restore" resets the computer to an earlier setup. For example, let's say a computer begins functioning poorly after a new software program is installed, and the problem persists even after removing the program. "System Restore" sets the machine to a state prior to the installation of the program, often solving the issue.

Disc Defragmenter

"Disc Defragmenter", also called "defrag," enhances computer performance by consolidating file fragments. Locating requested files affects a computer's speed, and by consolidating incomplete files, "defrag" makes the process faster.

Scheduled Tasks

"Scheduled Tasks" accesses a wizard, setting selected programs to run automatically at a chosen time and frequency. For example, if a software program backs up files, the Schedule Tasks function can schedule that program to run daily at 3 a.m.

Back Up

The "Back Up" utility backs up or restores computer files and settings. For example, an operator might choose to back up their "My Documents" file to an external hard drive.

Disk Cleanup

Clutter on a hard drive causes the speed of the computer to suffer. "Disk Cleanup" suggests to users wasted space that they might do well to remove.

References

• BleepingComputer.com: Windows XP System Restore Guide
• Microsoft.com: How to troubleshoot configuration errors by using the System Configuration utility in Windows XP
• GeekGirls.com: Why defrag?

Resources

• TheElderGeek.com: Disk Cleanup Utility