Software tools help diagnose computer and network problems and determine which computer device is not functioning correctly. A technician must be able to use a range of software tools to diagnose problems, maintain hardware, and protect the data stored on a computer.
You must be able to identify which software to use in different situations. Disk management tools help detect and correct disk errors, prepare a disk for data storage, and remove unwanted files.
The figure gives more information on the following disk management tools:
- FDISK - Creates and deletes partitions on a hard drive. The FDISK tool is not available in Windows XP, Vista, or 7. It has been replaced with the Disk Management tool.
- Disk Management - Initializes disks, creates partitions, and formats partitions.
- Format - Prepares a hard drive to store information.
- Scandisk or CHKDSK - Checks the integrity of files and folders on a hard drive by scanning the file system. These tools might also check the disk surface for physical errors.
- Defrag - Optimizes space on a hard drive to allow faster access to programs and data.
- Disk Cleanup - Clears space on a hard drive by searching for files that can be safely deleted.
- System File Checker (SFC) - Scans the operating system critical files and replaces files that are corrupted. Use the Windows 7 boot disk for troubleshooting and repairing corrupted files. The Windows 7 boot disk repairs Windows system files, restores damaged or lost files, and reinstalls the operating system. Third-party software tools are also available to assist in troubleshooting problems.