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1CP2-P-4.5 Utility software file repair backup and compression

Part 5 of 7 · 1CP2-P-4 · Operating systems and utilities

The utility software worksheet, covering repair, backup strategy and compression as three different jobs.

Students will:

  • describe what a file-repair utility does
  • explain why repair utilities do not remove the need for backups
  • state what a restore from full plus incremental backups requires
  • compare full and incremental backup for a large changing drive
  • recommend where compression helps and where it does not

Inside: 5 explanation cells, 3 multiple-choice questions, 2 fill-in-the-blanks cells and 3 written answers. 19 marks, about 45 minutes.

Series: 1CP2-P-4 · Operating systems and utilities, part 5 of 7.

Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher

  • 13 cells
  • About 45 minutes
  • CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Shared 17 Aug 2026

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The whole resource, exactly as a class sees it. Answers and marking are held back.

Utility software: repair, backup and compression

Utility software performs maintenance, protection or optimisation tasks. Utilities support the operation of a computer; they are not the same as general-purpose applications used to create documents or media.

1. Diagnose and repair file-system problems

A file-repair utility can scan file-system structures for errors and attempt to correct recoverable faults. It may repair metadata or links used to locate data. Repair is not guaranteed to recover every damaged byte, so it does not replace a backup.

Multiple choice1 mark

Which task best describes a file-repair utility?

  • ACreating a slideshow
  • BChecking file-system structures and correcting recoverable errors
  • CGiving every user administrator rights
  • DChanging source code into binary
Written answer2 marks

Explain why a school still needs backups even if its computers include file-repair utilities.

Contrast repair with a separate recovery copy.

Students type their answer here.

2. Choose a backup method

Full and incremental backup chainsBackup sequenceMonday · FULLall selected datalarger and slowerTuesday · INCchanges since Mondaysmaller and fasterWednesday · INCchanges since Tuesdayrestorefull + Tue + WedA backup is a separate recovery copy.Compression can reduce size, but it is not itself a backup.

A full backup copies all selected data. An incremental backup copies changes since the previous backup of either type. Incrementals usually need less time and storage, but restoring the latest state requires the full backup plus each later incremental set in order.

Fill in the blanks3 marks
A gap 1 backup copies all selected data. An gap 2 backup copies changes since the previous backup. Restoring the latest state may require the full backup and the complete gap 3.
  • chain
  • full
  • incremental
  • repair
Multiple choice1 mark

A full backup was made on Monday, followed by incremental backups on Tuesday and Wednesday. What is needed to restore Wednesday's latest state?

  • AOnly Wednesday's incremental
  • BMonday's full and Wednesday's incremental only
  • CMonday's full plus Tuesday's and Wednesday's incrementals
  • DOnly Monday's full
Written answer4 marks

Compare full and incremental backup for a large school drive that changes slightly each day.

Include backup time/storage and restore consequences.

Students type their answer here.

3. Reduce representation size

A compression utility represents data using fewer bits. This reduces storage space and can reduce transmission time. Lossless compression permits the original data to be reconstructed exactly; lossy compression permanently removes some data to achieve a greater reduction.

Compression does not automatically create a separate recovery copy, check identity or encrypt content.

Fill in the blanks3 marks
Compression reduces the number of gap 1 used to represent data. A backup creates a separate gap 2 copy. Encryption is used to protect gap 3.
  • bits
  • confidentiality
  • recovery
  • username
Written answer4 marks

A media department must archive project files and send copies over a slow connection. Recommend how compression and backup should be used together, explaining the distinct benefit of each.

Do not treat the two utilities as interchangeable.

Students type their answer here.

Multiple choice1 mark

Which statement is accurate?

  • ACompression is automatically a backup because the file is smaller.
  • BA backup is unnecessary if file repair is installed.
  • CUtilities have distinct purposes and may be combined for resilience and efficiency.
  • DIncremental backups always restore from one file only.

Route forward

You can distinguish repair, backup and compression and evaluate full versus incremental backups. Next you will examine defragmentation and two approaches to malware detection.