163 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Windows Explorer is an example of a fi le utility. File utilities perform common functions such as backing up and restoring fi les as well as displaying and editing a fi le’s properties. These programs are called utilities because they help the user perform useful, repetitive tasks. One of the most important fi le-management tasks is to back up fi les in the event that the original fi les are lost, deleted, or corrupted. Utilities also assist in determining the most recent version of a fi le. Sending large fi les as attachments to an e-mail message or copying large fi les to a fl ash drive may be a problem. Large fi les take more time to copy or move through the e-mail network. A fi le utility that can make fi les smaller is an advantage here. Utility programs can be accessed through the Control Panel window and through the Accessories folder in the Apps or Start menu. How would society be impacted if social media websites did not back up their data? How would societ y be impacted if social Section 4.4 Terms backup extracting fi le attribute fi le compression fi le properties help system image Learning Goals • Use the Windows help system. • Explain the properties associated with a fi le. • Describe the process of backing up fi les and folders. • Discuss fi le compression methods. File Utilities Steve Cukrov/Shutterstock.com