What is utility software? | Advantages and disadvantages

Utility software definition | what is utility software

What is utility software? Well, Utility software is a type of program that performs a specific task on a computer, particularly related to maintaining and managing a computer system. We use utility software to help a computer system keep running effectively and perform useful tasks easily and quickly. In fact, we can work on our PC without utility programs. However, these programs ease some of our tasks, also optimize, organize and maintain the operating system.For example, security software such as an anti-virus and firewall is an essential program to prevent your pc and documents from possible attack, theft and file damage.

Some utility programs are built into operating system. However, most of them are available as stand-alone products and as suits.

The usage of utility software is numerous depending on the specific task they are designed for. In this regard, there are many types of utility software, including file compression programs, security programs, diagnostic and disk management programs, recovery programs, multimedia management programs, conversion programs, file management programs, uninstall utilities, cleanup utilities and more.

Advantages and disadvantages of utility software

Utility programs are useful to do a specific task on a computer. Since each program is designed to do a definite task, we need to know our need before installing any utility software.

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Advantages of utility software

• By installing PC cleaning and optimization utility program, you can enhance and keep the performance of your PC
• Using backup and recovery tools, you can manage files and data, backup data, recover data and system data
• Using disk cleanup and registry cleaners, you can remove junk and useless files and manage disk space efficiently
• Using anti-virus and firewall programs, you can keep the system safe and secure including your personal files and documents
• Customize and make your desktop and program interface interactive and user friendly

Disadvantages of utility software

Despite the benefit of Utility software, they sometimes can pose risk to your system. This is because some of the programs, that aren’t well developed, could open a door to system threat and security flaws. Moreover, these types of programs could corrupt the registry data base that affects system performance.

• The more you install utility program, the slower is your computer performance
• Could consume system resources such as RAM, virtual memory
• Could inject malwares, adware and key loggers to your system (if you install unauthorized versions)

Remember, not all utility software programs are trustful and essential; you should be very selective and cautious when installing utility programs. Moreover, you should download the program from the original place or developer.

Types of utility software

Depending on specialty area and task, there are many types of utility software. Some of the most important utility program groups are the following:-

•  File compression programs:- Helps to optimize PC storage space and transfer time by reducing the files size.

• Security Programs:- Programs included in this group are Anti-virus, anti spyware, firewalls, and more. The programs secure your PC and resources from authorized access, file damage and theft
• Downloading programs:- Allows to download files from internet quickly and safely
• Disk management programs:- Scans and diagnose the health of your system, hard disk, memory, CPU and repair problems
• Backup and recovery programs:- Making a backup of your important files and documents is critical. If something goes wrong with your PC, you can easily recover from the backup media.
• Disk cleanup tools:- Disk cleanup includes removing unnecessary programs, cleaning registry database, deleting temporary internet, installation files, etc.
• Desktop customization programs:- You can customize your desktop the way you prefer
• Multimedia management programs:- These are programs that manage and organize your audio, video and photographs
• Conversion programs:- Programs that converts between different formats including documents, videos, and photos.
• Diagnostic programs:- Evaluate computer system and make recommendations for fixing any errors found
• System information programs
• Android and iOS managers:- These are programs that help to connect, backup and manage smartphone files on a computer.

Precautions when installing utility software

• Make sure thatthe utility software is downloaded from the trusted site. Is it a reputable and trusted site? Is it safe to download?
• Make sure that the required features are included
• Some utility software bundle unnecessary third party programs, while installing keep an on this and uncheck

Conclusion

What is utility software? It is system software that performs a specific task on your PC or laptop. In the article, we discussed about the definition of utility software, advantages and disadvantages of utility software, and the most common types of utility software we find on the net.