ABSTRACT
Utilities are often viewed as mundane and unexciting programs. However, they are necessary for the effective and efficient operation of a computer system. Four such utilities for DOS-based systems are presented in this chapter.
Sorting—Used to organize the information in files in a useful manner.
Disk Defragmentation Utilities—Used to increase the efficiency of disk access by making files contiguous. After repeated additions and deletions, files may be scattered across the disk, slowing doing access to unacceptable levels.
PC Tools PRO—An integrated package of disk maintenance utilities used to repair defective files, lost files, and accidentally deleted files, and perform a variety of other useful tasks.
Disk Backups—”Blessed are the pessimists, for they have made backups” says it all. Backup utilities give you the capability of making archival copies of important files or complete systems. In the event of a disk malfunction or major system failure, having a complete backup of your critical files can get you back in operation in a matter of minutes, instead of hours.
