Utility programs

 A utility program, also called a utility, is a type of system

software that allows a user to perform maintenance-type tasks,
usually related to managing a computer, its devices, or its
programs.
 Utility programs are built-in to many operating systems or can
be purchased separately.
 Examples include:
– disk cleanup
–search utility
– Diagnostic utility
– Uninstaller
– Disk defragmenter
– Backup utility
– Screen saver
 Disk cleanup Search utility

 A disk cleanup utility searches for and  A search utility

removes unnecessary files, including is a program that attempts to
downloaded program files, temporary locate a file on your computer based o
Internet files, deleted files, and unused n criteria you specify
program files.
 screensaver Disk fragmenter

 A screen saver causes a display device’s s  A disk defragmenter is a utility that

creen to show a moving image or blank s reorganizes the files and unused space on a
creen if no activity occurs for a specified computer’s hard disk so that the operating
time system accesses data more quickly and
programs run faster.
 Originally developed to prevent a problem
called ghosting, in which images could be
etched permanently on a monitor’s screen.
 Uninstaller: An uninstaller is a utility that removes a program, as
well as any associated entries in the system files.
 Image Viewer: An image viewer is a utility that allows users to
display, copy, and print the contents of a graphics file, such as a
photo.
 Antivirus: An antivirus program protects a computer against
viruses by identifying and removing any computer viruses found in
memory, storage, or incoming files.
 Advantages
 most of the utility software are conveniently available
 Many times the hark disk become full of unwanted files. Disk cleaner is used to detect
such unwanted files and delete them.
 With the help of file manager, you can easily move, copy, merge, rename and delete
files
 Anti-virus software protects useful and important files from computer viruses
 System monitor utility assists in analyzing the performance of computer system
 Disadvantages

 Disk fragmentation is a time consuming process

 Disk cleanup often stops you from playing for sometime and all of your
files would be deleted
 Screensaver may quickly drain the battery that may lead to loss of
unsaved work