Utility Programs

Utility Programs
The utility programs are used to provide end users with a tool box to fine tune hardware components or modify system software functions.

The utility programs for large computer systems are designed for professional system programmers to either modify or repair the system software.

However the utility programs for microcomputers are very often used by end users.

They are use friendly and designed for end users, change the monitor’s background pattern, or install computer hardware.

Some vendors provide utility programs that can enhance the performance of the computer, such virtual memory and virus protection.

Some of the principal utility programs are as follows:

Data recovery
A data recovery utility is used to “undelete” a file or information that has been accidentally deleted. With this function, users are able to undo the last delete operation that has taken place.

Screen saver
A screen saver prevents a monitor’s display screen from being etched by an unchanging image.

Backup
The backup utility allows users to make a backup (duplicate) copy of the information on the hard disk.

Data compression
Data compression removes redundant elements, gaps, and unnecessary data from a computer’s storage space, so less space is required to store or transmit data.

Virus protection
A virus consists of hidden programming instructions that are buried within an application or system program. They can reproduce themselves and cause damage to computer programs.
Utility Programs

Business Value of Extranet

Business Value of Extranet
As business continue to use open Internet technologies (extranets) to improve communication with customers and partners, they can gain many competitive advantages along the way – in product development, cost savings, marketing, distribution and leveraging their partnerships.

Extranets are network links that use Internet technologies to interconnect the intranet of a business with the intranets of its customers, suppliers or other business partners.

Companies can establish direct private network links between themselves, or create private secure Internet links between them called virtual private network.

Or company can use the unsecured Internet as the extranet link between its extranet and consumers and others, but rely on encryption of sensitive data and its own fire wall system to provide adequate security.

Thus extranets enable customer, suppliers, consultants, subcontractors, business prospects, and others to access selected intranets websites and other company database.

The business value of extranets is derived from several factors.

First, the Web browser technology of extranets makes customer and supplier access of intranet resources a lot easier and faster than previous business methods.

Second, extranets enable a company to offer new kinds of interactive Web-enabled services to their business partners. Thus extranets are another way that a business can build and strengthen strategic relationship with its customers and suppliers.

Also, extranets can enable and improve collaboration by a business with its costumers and other business partners.

Extranet facilitate an online, interactive product development, marketing, and customer focused process that can bring better designed products to market faster.
Business Value of Extranet