The system softwares that are designed to ensure the efficient working of the computers are called utility software. Most of the functions of a computer are performed by utility software. They analyse and configure the computer so that the performance of the system is not compromised. The main aim of these softwares are to ensure the smooth functioning of the system. The utility softwares are OS based, that perform according to the working of the OS in a computer. Some of these softwares come inbuilt in the operating systems e.g. Windows Disk Clean Up Tool, Windows Defender etc.
- File Management Tools
All the data and information in a computer are stored in the form of files. Saving these files on the computer keeps the information secured. These files are maintained in the computer by the file management tools. Therefore, the file management tool is an important tool of the operating system. File management tools include the most used file management tasks like search, update, browse etc. Archivers and file manager also fall into the category of file management tools. The file management tool is also used to open, rename, group or delete a file. Some examples of file management tools are Directory Opus, File Manager in Windows, Double commanders, etc.
- Antivirus
Antivirus is a type of utility software that helps the Operating System in providing a virus-free environment to the users. This is generally used to protect the computer from virus. A virus is a malicious program that destroys and corrupts the computer. The work of the antivirus is to detect the virus, send notifications to the user and secure the computer by taking the required actions. The antivirus can detect different kinds of virus-like worms, Trojan, spyware etc. An antivirus also starts detecting the virus when external storage devices such as pen drive, USB, etc are attached to the computer and notifies the user if any virus is found in any file. Some of the examples of antivirus are Norton, Kaspersky, McAfee, etc.
- Disk Management Tool
Disk Management software is available in almost all the versions of Microsoft Windows. The disk management tool enables one to manage different drives in the computer such as flash drive, optical disk drive and hard disk drive. This tool also enables users to manage the partitions associated with these drives. This type of utility software was first introduced in Windows XP to replace the fdisk command. Some examples of disk management tools are Paragon Partition Manager, MiniTool Partition Wizard, AOMEI Partition Assistant, etc.
- Compression Tool
Storage space is always a big problem with computers. We try our best to reduce the sizes of the files. Keeping enough free space in the system also ensures that the computer works well. The compression tools are used to reduce the storage space taken by different files on the computer. These type of softwares compress or decompress a file in the computer. Most of the operating systems have compression tools software to increase and reduce the size of a file. Some examples of compression tools are WinZip, WinRAR, WinAce, etc.
- Disk Cleanup Tool
Disc cleanup tool was introduced for the first time in Windows 98. Later, this software was provided to all other releases by Windows. The disk cleanup tool is used to delete the files in the computer that are no more necessary to the user. Deleting the unused files helps in increasing the storage space and also helps in maintaining the pace of working of the computer. Other than removing the unused files, this tool is also used to delete offline webpages and temporary internet files. Therefore, it is an important tool that helps to increase the functioning power of the system. Some of the examples of disk cleanup tools are Piriform CCleaner, IObit Advanced SystemCare, etc.
- Disk Defragmenter
This is a type of utility software that is used to increase the access speed by rearranging the scattered files in a disk stored on contiguous locations. Generally, when somebody uses a computer, large files are broken down into different fragments and get stored in non-contiguous locations in the computer. Later, when the user tries to find the files, the access speed slows down due to the fragments. The disk defragmenter tools try to find these files, assemble them and puts them in contagious locations. Perfect disk, deflaggler, MyDeFrag are some of the examples of disk defragmenter.
- Backup
The backup in the system helps to create a copy of files, databases and folders. The backup software is a type of utility software that is provided by all operating systems. It ensures that there is a copy available when a file is lost. Therefore, this is an important software that saves us when we lose data accidentally. Some examples of backup software are Norton Ghost, TotalRecovery Pro, Symantec Backup Exec etc.
These are some of the types of utility softwares that not only help in maintaining the computer but also helps in improving the functions of the system. Without these softwares, the performance of the operating systems are also compromised.
I’m Saurabh Sharma, currently working as a Media Coordinator with Techjockey.com. With more than three years of experience in SEO content and the latest optimization practices, I like to write on trending software and technology. I am a tech lover, and always look for the latest industry trends to keep the readers updated.
