Utility software is a type of software that is designed to help manage, maintain, and optimize computer systems. The utilitiy software are often used to enhance the performance, security, and efficiency of a computer system.
The Utility Software helps to maintain the proper and smooth functioning of a Computer System. It assists the Operating System to manage, organize, maintain, and optimize the functioning of the computer system.
Utility Software performs certain tasks like virus detection, installation, and uninstallation, data backup, deletion of unwanted files, etc. Some examples are antivirus software, file management tools, compression tools, disk management tools, etc.
Types of Utility Software:
Antivirus
An antivirus is a utility software that helps to keep the computer virus-free. Moreover, it notifies when any malicious file is detected and removes such files. In addition, it scans any new device attached to the computer and discards any virus if there. It also scans the system from time to time for any threats and disposes of them.
Antivirus software are designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software such as viruses, malware, and spyware from a computer system, thus protecting it from security threats. Examples of antivirus are McAfee, Quick Heal, Avast, Kaspersky, Bitdefender, Norton, Windows Defender etc.
File Management System
These utility software are used to manage files of the computer system. Since files are an important part of the system as all the data is stored in the files. Therefore, this utility software helps to browse, search, arrange, find information, and quickly preview the files of the system. Windows Explorer is the default file management tool present in the computer system. Some other examples of file management tools are macOS Finder, Google Desktop, Double Commander, Directory Opus etc.
System Maintenance Tools
These utilities help users manage and maintain their computer systems by performing tasks such as updating software, managing startup programs, monitoring system performance, and troubleshooting common issues.
File Compression and Archiving Tools
These utilities allow users to compress large files or folders into smaller archives, making them easier to store, transfer, and share. They also provide features for encrypting and password-protecting archived files.
An important part of a computer is storage space, it is very important to maintain this storage. Therefore, we use these utility software to compress big files and decrease their size. The format of the files changes while compressing and we cannot access or edit them directly. In addition, we can easily decompress the file and get the original file back. Examples of compression tools are WinZip, WinRAR, WinAce, PeaZip, 7-Zip, etc.
Disk Partitioning Software
Disk partitioning utilities enable users to divide their hard drives into multiple partitions, each of which can be treated as a separate disk volume. This allows for more efficient storage management and organization of data.
Disk Cleanup Tool
This utility software helps to free up the disk space. In addition, the files which are no longer in use are removed from the disk. These utilities help users clean up unnecessary files and optimize disk space usage on their computers. Examples are Razer Cortex, Piriform CCleaner, etc.
Disk Defragmenter
This utility software helps to reduce the fragmentation and hence, reduces the access speed. Defragmenting refers to rearranging files and storing them in contiguous memory locations. Moreover, saves time in reading from files and writing files to disk. Examples of disk defragmenters are Diskeeper, PerfectDisk, Defraggler, etc.
Backup and Recovery Software
Backup utilities allow users to create copies of their important data and store them in a secure location, helping to prevent data loss in case of hardware failure, accidental deletion, or other disasters. Recovery software helps users retrieve lost or corrupted data from backup files.
Data Encryption Tools
Encryption software allows users to encrypt their sensitive data to protect it from unauthorized access or interception. This is particularly important for securing confidential information such as financial records, personal documents, and business data.