The Purpose of Different Utility Software (P3)

The Purpose of Different Utility Software

Firewalls: The primary purpose of a firewall is 'packet filtering'. When a computer sends a request across the internet, it takes the form of small packets of data, which travel through the network to their destination. The target server responds with its own packets of data, which return along the same route. A firewall monitors every packet that passes through it, considering its source, destination and what type of data it contains, and it compares that information to its internal rule set. If the firewall detects that the packet is unauthorised, it discards the data. Typically, firewalls allow traffic from common programs such as email or web browsers, while discarding most incoming requests.

Clean Up Tools (for Removal of Cookies): Some programs that you run form the internet leave little programs on your computer that are there to monitor your internet viewing habits. Periodically, the company that owns them collects the data and sells it to anyone who wants it. A cookie cleaner removes them.

Drive Formatting: Computer systems that are purchased from retailers contain hard drives that are pre-formatted, which means they are ready to go straight out of the box. To format a hard drive is to prepare the storage medium for reading and writng. This includes establishing an empty file system for the new data.