A utility or software utility is computer system software intended to analyze, configure, monitor, or help maintain a computer. Usually, a utility is smaller than a standard program and may be included with an operating system or installed separately.
List of computer utilities
Below is a list of many different utility program categories and examples of utilities. For a list of all of the different types of computer software, see our software page.
- Antivirus
- Backup software
- Clipboard
- Compression utility
- Cryptography software
- Debuggers
- DirectX
- Disk checkers (e.g., Defrag, Disk Cleanup, and ScanDisk).
- Disk partition editors
- Dr. Watson
- Encryption tools
- File manager
- Hex editor
- Memory tester
- Network monitors
- Package manager
- Registry cleaners
- Screen saver
- System monitor
How do I use a utility on a computer?
Many utilities used on the computer run in the background and require little or no user interaction. For example, after installing an antivirus on the computer, it’ll run in the background and only require interaction if it detects a virus.
Software utilities that don’t run in the background like a disk checker run like any other computer program.
Program, Software, Software terms, Windows Sysinternals
Related information
- How to run a computer software program.
- How to remove TSRs and startup programs.
- How to find what is running on a Windows computer.
