Module 1.
5 Part 3
Security tools
Access control
Access control is a key security feature that asks for user permission
before installing software.
Its purpose is to prevent malware from installing without your knowledge.
If you're prompted to install something you didn’t initiate, deny permission.
Use a non-administrator account for everyday use to limit access to
sensitive files.
Changes to important system files require explicit permission, increasing
your awareness of system activity.
Firewall
Acts as a barrier between your computer and the internet.
Monitors programs trying to access the internet or your computer.
Can be hardware, software, or a combination.
Most operating systems have built-in firewall software.
Prompts users to allow or deny internet access for applications.
Helps prevent unknown or untrusted apps from connecting.
Third-party firewalls offer more features (e.g. via antivirus software).
Hardware firewalls protect multiple computers on a network.
Security
Located under Windows Settings.
Manages device security and health.
Shows recommendations for actions based on warnings.
Allows you to check/set:
Firewall settings
Windows automatic updates
Anti-malware (for viruses and spyware)
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Emphasises the importance of system security.
Provides tools to help keep your system safe.
Factors influencing performance
Main hardware components affecting performance:
Memory (RAM)
Processor
Hard drive
Memory (RAM)
Programs and data must be loaded into RAM before processing.
Part of RAM is always used by the OS and other background programs (e.g.,
antivirus).
If RAM is full, data is temporarily moved to the hard drive (much slower to
access).
This process slows down performance.
More RAM = better multitasking and faster performance.
Caching
Caching stores recently accessed web pages locally for quicker future
access.
Cache memory is high-speed memory that improves computer performance.
It's like a librarian putting frequently used books on a special shelf for
easy access.
Only the most-used data is stored in cache, as space is limited.
If new data is accessed often, it replaces less-used data in the cache.
Cache is used in components like the CPU to speed up repeated data
access.
It’s more expensive but faster than regular RAM.
Improves the efficiency and speed of the entire system.
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CPU
CPU Speed (GHz): Higher speed generally means better performance, but
not always guaranteed due to other influencing factors.
Number of Cores: More cores (e.g., dual-core, quad-core, etc.) allow better
multitasking and overall performance.
Cache Size: Larger cache = faster CPU performance due to quicker access
to frequently used data.
GPU Importance: For gaming and software like CAD or 3D design, a strong
GPU is more critical than CPU or RAM for better performance.
Hard drive/SSD
Hard drives (HDDs) store all data and programs; data is loaded from disk
into memory for processing.
Changes to files must be saved back to disk to avoid losing them.
Faster drives improve system performance.
SSDs (Solid State Drives) are faster than HDDs because they have no
moving parts.
SSDs are more expensive, but greatly boost computer speed.
Many systems use both: SSD for OS and apps, HDD for data.
Disk fragmentation slows down HDDs as file parts get scattered.
SSDs are not affected by fragmentation in the same way.
Influence of malware
Slows down computer by using system resources (memory, hard drive).
Spyware can slow down internet connection by constantly connecting
online.
Can turn your computer into a 'zombie' in a botnet, further reducing
performance.
All of this can happen without your knowledge.
Troubleshooting using utility software
Disk scanning Used to check for errors and bad sectors on drives.
Can fix problems on flash drives.
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Comes with all operating systems.
Avoid repairing faulty hard drives unless you're
experienced.
Disk filling up Media files (photos, music, movies) quickly fill up
storage.
Disk Cleanup is a built-in Windows tool to free up
space.
It removes:
Temporary internet files
Temporary Windows files
Unused or seldom-used programs
It shows a list of file types you can delete to increase
space.
Disk Reorganises file parts to speed up access (does not
defragmentation free up space).
Included in Windows and works well for most users.
Newer Windows versions defrag automatically on a
schedule.
Can set your own schedule using Task Scheduler.
Best run at night to avoid slowing down the computer.
Complete the WMA on page 83 – 84, questions 26 – 36