Utility Programs
Utility Programs
Utilities generally reside in storage until summoned by the user or operating system kernel. Microsoft was the target of several lawsuits for allegedly incorporating utility programs developed by others into their DOS operating system. Some versions of DOS were modified because of this litigation. In light of the ever-increasing number of utility programs included with operating systems, will a market remain for separate utility programs?
In addition to the utilities mentioned in this chapter, other Windows 98 utilities include:
• DirectX – Enhances multimedia capabilities on the computer, providing better playback of different types of multimedia and managing 3-D graphics better than console computers.
• Drive Converter (FAT 32) – Converts the hard drive to the FAT32 file system, an enhancement that stores data more efficiently, creating extra disk space and helping programs run faster.
• Registry Checker – Finds and fixes registry problems each time the computer is started, automatically scanning the registry for inconsistent data structures.
• System File Checker – Keeps track of critical files that make the computer run, restoring the files if they are moved or changed.
• Microsoft Magnifier – Makes the screen more readable by displaying a magnified portion in a separate window and making it possible to alter the color scheme and contrast of the magnification window for easier visibility.
Some stand-alone utilities include:
• Desktop enhancers – Change the desktop look and organization, allowing users to create and switch between multiple desktops.
• File conversion – Converts from one file format to another so that a file can be used by another application.
• Internet organizers – Helps in the management and use of favorite Web sites, searching the Web and reporting on site changes.
• Antivirus programs – Prevent, detect, and remove computer viruses. Viruses and antivirus programs are explored in Chapter 12.
Some utility programs
Utilities generally reside in storage until summoned by the user or operating system kernel. Microsoft was the target of several lawsuits for allegedly incorporating utility programs developed by others into their DOS operating system. Some versions of DOS were modified because of this litigation. In light of the ever-increasing number of utility programs included with operating systems, will a market remain for separate utility programs?
In addition to the utilities mentioned in this chapter, other Windows 98 utilities include:
• DirectX – Enhances multimedia capabilities on the computer, providing better playback of different types of multimedia and managing 3-D graphics better than console computers.
• Drive Converter (FAT 32) – Converts the hard drive to the FAT32 file system, an enhancement that stores data more efficiently, creating extra disk space and helping programs run faster.
• Registry Checker – Finds and fixes registry problems each time the computer is started, automatically scanning the registry for inconsistent data structures.
• System File Checker – Keeps track of critical files that make the computer run, restoring the files if they are moved or changed.
• Microsoft Magnifier – Makes the screen more readable by displaying a magnified portion in a separate window and making it possible to alter the color scheme and contrast of the magnification window for easier visibility.
Some stand-alone utilities include:
• Desktop enhancers – Change the desktop look and organization, allowing users to create and switch between multiple desktops.
• File conversion – Converts from one file format to another so that a file can be used by another application.
• Internet organizers – Helps in the management and use of favorite Web sites, searching the Web and reporting on site changes.
• Antivirus programs – Prevent, detect, and remove computer viruses. Viruses and antivirus programs are explored in Chapter 12.
Some utility programs