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.
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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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List of top 30 utility software
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.
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