Original Article by TechSling Weblog:

The system Software that is designed to ensure the efficient working of the computers is called utility software. Most of the functions of a computer are performed by utility software. They analyze and configure the computer so that the performance of the system is not compromised. The main aim of this software areis to ensure the smooth functioning of the system. The utility software is OS based on, performed according to the working of the OS in a computer. Some of this software comes inbuilt into the operating systems e.g. Windows Disk Clean Up Tool, Windows Defender, etc.

Some of the popular types of utility software are:

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 managers 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 viruses. 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 examples of antivirus are Norton, Kaspersky, McAfee, etc 

Disk Management Tool 

Disk Management software is available in almost all versions of Microsoft Windows. The disk management tool enables one to manage different drives in the computer such as flash drives, optical disk drives, and hard disk drives. 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 disk 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 types of software compress or decompress a file on the computer. Most 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 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 in contiguous locations. Generally, when somebody uses a computer, large files are broken down into different fragments and get stored in non-contiguous locations on 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, Defraggler, MyDeFrag are some of the examples of disk defragmenters. 

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 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 software that not only help in maintaining the computer but also helps help in improving the functions of the system. Without this software, the performance of the operating systems is also compromised.

The post Types of Utility Software and Their Usage first appeared on TechSling Weblog.