Antivirus Software
Antivirus software detects, prevents, and removes malicious software (malware) that can harm a computer system or compromise user data. It uses techniques such as signature-based detection, behavioural analysis, and sandboxing to identify and mitigate malware threats. Examples: Norton Antivirus, McAfee Antivirus.
Disk Defragmenter
A utility that rearranges the layout of data on a hard disk to optimize access speed and reduce fragmentation, by reorganizing files and free space to improve data access efficiency. Examples: Disk Defragmenter and Optimize Drives (Windows).
Disk Cleaner
Software that removes temporary files, system junk, and other unnecessary data to free up disk space and improve performance. Examples: Disk Cleanup and CCleaner (Windows).
Operating System Configurations
Adjusting system settings and parameters — such as disabling unnecessary services and adjusting visual effects — to optimize computer performance, security, and user experience. Examples: Windows Performance Options, macOS System Preferences.
Key Concepts
- Malware: software designed to harm or exploit a computer system or its user, such as viruses, trojans, spyware, and ransomware.
- Fragmentation: the process by which data becomes scattered across the hard disk, reducing access speed and increasing the risk of data loss.
- Defragmentation: the process of rearranging data on the hard disk to optimize access speed and reduce fragmentation.
Other Ways to Improve Performance
- Increasing RAM and disk size: allows more data to be stored and accessed quickly.
- Using SSDs: Solid-State Drives store data on flash memory chips and are faster than traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), reducing loading times.
