Utility Programs and Macros Essay Example for Free

Utility Programs and Macros Essay Definition: A utility program is a program that performs a common task, such as copying and listing files on a list. Utility programs are generally provided alongside the operating system, but are sometimes bought separately. Many utility commands change with the operating system. Eg. In windows, the copy command is Ctrl + C, but in Mac OSx this changes to Command +C. The major tasks carried out by utility programs are: 1) Disk Formatting (Preparing either laser or hard discs for use) 2) Listing files in directories or folders. 3) Copying files, either from application to application, or within the same application. (Web browsers, word processors) 4) Copying discs 5) Renaming files 6) Backing up files, and also creating OS backups. (Time machine (Mac OSx), Windows Backup) 7) Running a file search in large files or directories Some other major tasks which operating systems often, but not always provide are: 1) File and Disc repair [Check disk, Defragmenter, Disk utility (Mac OSx)] 2) Anti-Virus tools, or malware checkers. (Windows Defender, Mac Cleaner) 3) Web Browser, to surf the internet. This could be standard, purchased, or freeware. (Safari, Internet Explorer) 4) File Compression, to compress files, and make the file size smaller. (Windows File Compression, Mac file Compression) Note: Often, these tools are not given by the Operating System, or are not advanced enough to be completely reliable. In this event, one may need to purchase the software. Eg. Norton Antivirus, Mcafee Antivirus, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Rockmelt, Winzip, 7-Zip, etc. MACROS: Definition: Macros allow you to automatically record a series of keystrokes, so that the key combination can record those keystrokes when required to do so. They are incredibly useful if you want to automate tasks which take too long to do, time and again, by hand. MACROS are available in most word processing applications, and are easy to use. They can save various things, such as fonts, font sizes, addresses, and even formats. One could create a MACRO that allows one to insert a document header, and footer, in a particular font, by just using two keystrokes. Creating a MACRO in MS Word is incredibly simple. This is how it is done: 1) Click on record MACRO at the bottom of the screen. 2) Give the MACRO a name. 3) Everything you do between turning the recorder on, and off, is recorded. 4) For example, you can insert a header and footer, type out an address, change the font to a particular size, etc. 5) In the status bar, click on stop recording. 6) In newer versions of Word, one must turn on the MACRO recorder in the developer tab, and then do what one wants.