System utilities are the core software functions that allow you to manage your computer in ways that you would find it inconceivable to be without. System utilities may be already included in your computer or downloaded from the Internet. No matter where you look, you can always find plenty of system utility programs at little or no cost. In this article, we will go over several examples of system utility programs and how they effect you and your computer.

Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup is a function that comes with all versions of Windows Operating Systems. Disk Cleanup allows for you to scan your entire hard drive to search for extra room by deleting any unneccessary files such as temporary files from the Internet and cookies that are downloaded when you visit webpages. Not only does Disk Cleanup allow you to delete simple files from the Internet, but it also allows for you to delete Restore Points, uninstall programs, remove Windows components, and compress old files all in the click of a mouse. You can find Disk Cleanup in Windows XP by going to the Start menu –> All Programs –> Accessories –> System Tools –> Disk Cleanup.

Disk Defragmenter

The Disk Defragmenter is another tool that comes with Windows and is used for many different solutions. The main function of the Disk Defragmenter is to reassemble fragmented files. Whenever a file is modified in any way, the computer stores the file in broken pieces across the hard drive rather than putting the whole file in one spot. This can lead to system malfunction and poor performance because your computer must search for all the pieces of a specific file before it can display it. The Disk Defragmenter searches for all pieces of every file on your hard drive and reassembles the files into a specific location. This increases the speed at which files are displayed and results in less delays when opening files or programs.

System Restore

System Restore is a function that comes with Windows that allows you to return your computer to an earlier time in which you had not encountered an error. System Restore is great for fixing problems that a virus has caused after you use antivirus software to rid your computer of the malware. System Restore allows you to manually set Restore Points on a calendar and also automatically creates Restore Points on a regular basis as well as right before your computer goes through any major change such as installing a new program. System Restore can be found by going to Start –> All Programs –> Accessories –> System Tools –> System Restore.

Disk Compression and Archivers

Disk compression is a type of function that allows for a program to search your hard drive and compress files, particularly old or unused files. This greatly improves your computer’s functionality and performance because it does not have to keep track of so many files at once. It also serves to free up space, which is the main function of disk compression software. Archivers, another form of file compression software, allows for you to compress a file or folder and then decompress the file whenever you decide to. The most popular archiver to date is Winrar, which is named after Winzip but has no affiliation. Both Winrar and a plethora of disk compression programs are available on the Internet at no charge.

Registry Cleaners

Registry cleaners are programs that allow for you to scan your computer for any errors in the registry, which is a collection of the core computer files that are essential to performance and functionality, and repairs them if needed. Registry cleaners are widely available on the Internet and give you a significant upperhand when cleaning up the mess that a virus or other malware has left on your computer. Likewise, some otherwise safe programs can cause errors in the registry without intending to. Registry files can also be corrupted if the user unknowingly deletes or modifies a file in the registry. This usually occurs when an inexperienced user tries to fix their computer and inevitably causes more damage than before.

File Splitters

File splitters are programs that allow you to break a file into smaller pieces in order to store or send files. File splitters often come in handy because many online storage services, including email attachments, limit you to a specific file size that can be transferred at one time even though files often exceed these limits. File splitters allow you to break the file into two or more pieces, send them simultaneously, and then piece them back together when you are ready to use the file again. A good file splitter is File Splitz. It allows for you to break a file of any size into multiple pieces and then rejoin the files together just as easily.