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{{Short description|Programs to support computer infrastructure}}
{{Short description| Software that supports computer infrastructure}}


'''Utility software''' is a program specifically designed to help manage and tune system or application software. It is used to support the computer [[infrastructure]] - in contrast to [[application software]], which is aimed at directly performing tasks that benefit ordinary users. However, utilities often form part of the application {{em|systems}}. For example, a [[batch job]] may run user-written code to update a database and may then include a step that runs a utility to back up the database, or a job may run a utility to compress a disk before copying files.
'''Utility software''' is [[software]] that supports managing the computer [[infrastructure]] including [[computer hardware]], [[system software]] and [[application software]]. Utility software provides for performing tasks as a [[system administrator]] (that is, as a [[computer user| user]] acting in that role). In contrast, application software provides for performing tasks as an [[end user]].  


Although a basic set of utility programs is usually distributed with an [[operating system]] (OS), and this first party utility software is often considered part of the operating system, users often install replacements or additional utilities.<ref>{{cite news |title=Non-Opec (advertisement) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZIfqFFpyXo8C&pg=PA3 |access-date=May 20, 2019 |agency=Computerworld |date=Sep 3, 1979}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mendelson |first1=Edward |title=Fix What Ails Your PC |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XrdgwdYfGrUC&pg=PA60 |access-date=May 20, 2019 |agency=PC Magazine |date=June 8, 1999}}</ref> Those utilities may provide additional facilities to carry out tasks that are beyond the capabilities of the operating system.
A '''utility''' is software that can be classified as utility software. Often a utility is a distinct [[computer program |program]], but sometimes multiple utilities are implemented in a single program. For example, [[BusyBox]] implements many utilities in a single program. Commonly, a utility provides a [[command-line interface]], but some provide a [[graphical user interface]].


Many utilities that might affect the entire computer system require the user to have elevated [[Privilege (computing)|privileges]], while others that operate only on the user's data do not.<ref>{{cite web |title=Linux ifconfig command |url=https://www.computerhope.com/unix/uifconfi.htm |website=Computer Hope |access-date=May 20, 2019}}</ref>
Although an [[operating system]] (OS) installation usually includes utilities (which are considered part of the OS), users often install additional utilities.<ref>{{cite news |title=Non-Opec (advertisement) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZIfqFFpyXo8C&pg=PA3 |access-date=May 20, 2019 |agency=Computerworld |date=Sep 3, 1979}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mendelson |first1=Edward |title=Fix What Ails Your PC |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XrdgwdYfGrUC&pg=PA60 |access-date=May 20, 2019 |agency=PC Magazine |date=June 8, 1999}}</ref> The additional utilities may provide a better [[user experience]] or additional functionality.


==System utilities==
Often, a user must be authorized for elevated [[Privilege (computing)|privileges]] to use a utility since it may affect other users of the system.<ref>{{cite web |title=Linux ifconfig command |url=https://www.computerhope.com/unix/uifconfi.htm |website=Computer Hope |access-date=May 20, 2019}}</ref>
*[[Anti-virus]] utilities scan for computer viruses and block or remove them.
*[[Clipboard manager]]s expand the [[clipboard (computing)|clipboard]] functionality of an operating system.
*[[Computer access control]] software grants or denies requests for access to system resources.
*[[Debugger]]s typically permit the examination and modification of data and program instructions in memory and on disk.
*[[Diagnostic program]]s determine and report the operational status of computer hardware and software. [[Memory tester]]s are one example.
*[[Network utilities]] analyze the computer's network connectivity, configure network settings, check data transfer or log events.
*[[Package manager]]s are used to configure, install or keep up to date other software on a computer.
*[[Registry cleaner]]s clean and optimize the [[Windows Registry]] by removing old registry keys that are no longer in use.
*[[System monitor]]s monitor resources and performance in a computer system.
*[[System profiler]]s provide detailed information about installed software and hardware.


==Storage device management utilities==
==Taxonomy==
*[[Backup software]] makes copies of all information stored on a disk and restores either the entire disk (aka [[Disk cloning]]) in an event of [[Hard disk failure|disk failure]] or selected files that are accidentally deleted or corrupted. [[Undeletion]] utilities are sometimes more convenient.
This section is a [[taxonomy]] of kinds of utilities.
*[[Disk checker]]s scan an operating hard drive and check for logical (filesystem) or physical errors.
*[[Disk compression]] utilities transparently [[data compression|compress]]/uncompress the contents of a disk, increasing the capacity of the disk.
*[[Disk defragmenter]]s detect [[computer file]]s whose contents are scattered across several locations on the [[hard disk]] and collect the fragments into one contiguous area.
*[[Disk formatting|Disk formatters]] prepare a data storage device such as a hard disk, solid-state drive, floppy disk or USB flash drive for initial use. These are often used to permanently erase an entire device.
*[[Disk partitioning|Disk partition editors]] divide an individual drive into multiple logical drives, each with its own file system which can be mounted by the operating system and treated as an individual drive.
*[[Disk space analyzer]]s provide a visualization of disk space usage by getting the size for each folder (including sub folders) and files in folder or drive. showing the distribution of the used space.
* Tape initializers write a [[Tape label|label]] to a [[magnetic tape]] or other magnetic medium. Initializers for [[DECtape]] format the tape into blocks.


==File management utilities==
===System management===
*[[File archiver|Archivers]] output a stream or a single file when provided with a directory or a set of files. Archive ''suites'' may include compression and encryption capabilities. Some archive utilities have a separate un-archive utility for the reverse operation. One nearly universal type of archive file format is the [[Zip (file format)|zip file]].  
; [[Antivirus software| Antivirus]]: Protects the host system from [[computer virus]]es.
*[[Filesystem-level encryption|Cryptographic]] utilities encrypt and decrypt streams and files.
; [[Clipboard manager]]: Expands [[clipboard (computing)|clipboard]] functionality.
*[[Data compression]] utilities output a shorter stream or a smaller file when provided with a stream or file.
; [[Computer access control]]: Grants or denies requests for access to system resources.
*[[Data conversion]] utilities transform data from a source file to some other format, such as from a text file to a [[PDF]] document.
; [[Debugger]]: Provides for programming-level control of program execution including the examination and modification of program data.
*[[Data recovery]] utilities are used to rescue good data from corrupted files.
; [[Diagnostic program| Diagnostic]]: Determines and reports the operational status of computer hardware and software. For example, a [[memory tester]].
*[[Data synchronization]] utilities establish consistency among data from a source to a target data storage and vice versa. There are several branches of this type of utility:
; [[Network utility| Network]]: Analyzes the host system's network connectivity, configures network settings, reports data transfer and log events.
**[[File synchronization]] utilities maintain consistency between two sources. They may be used to create redundancy or backup copies but are also used to help users carry their digital music, photos and video in their [[mobile device]]s.
; [[Package manager]]: Configures, installs and updates software on the host system.
**[[Revision control]] utilities can recreate a coherent structure where multiple users simultaneously modify the same file.
; [[Registry cleaner]]: Cleans and optimizes the [[Windows Registry]] by removing old registry keys that are no longer in use.
*[[Disk cleaner]]s find files that are unnecessary to computer operation, or take up considerable amounts of space.
; [[System monitor]]: Monitors resources and performance of the host system.
*[[File comparison]] utilities provide a standalone capability to detect differences between files.
; [[System profiler]]: Reports information about installed software and hardware.
*[[File manager]]s provide a convenient method of performing routine data management, email recovery and management tasks, such as deleting, renaming, cataloging, uncataloging, moving, copying, merging, setting write protection status, setting file access permissions, generating and modifying folders and data sets.


==Miscellaneous utilities==
===Storage device management===
*[[Test generation|Data generators]] (e.g. [[Support programs for OS/360 and successors#IEBDG|IEBDG]]) create a file of test data according to specified patterns.
; [[Backup software| Backup]]: Copies data from a storage device for the purpose of recovering from data loss due to events such as [[Hard disk failure| disk failure]], file corruption or accidental deletion.
*[[Hex editor|Hex (or octal) editors]] directly modify the text or data of a file without regard to file format.  These files can be data or programs.
; [[Disk checker]]: Checks a disk for problems.
*[[HTML checker]]s validate [[HTML]] code and check links.
; [[Disk cloning]]: Duplicates the content of a disk.
*[[Installation (computer programs)|Installation]] or setup utilities are used to initialize or [[configure script|configure]] programs, usually applications programs, for use in a specific computer environment. There are also [[Uninstaller]]s.
; [[Disk compression]]: Transparently [[data compression|compress/uncompress]] the content of a disk, increasing the capacity of the disk.
*[[Patch (computing)|Patching]] utilities perform alterations of files, especially object programs when program source is unavailable.
; [[Disk defragmenter]]: Reorganizes the data of each [[computer file| file]] so that it is stored contiguously.
*[[Screensaver]]s prevent [[phosphor burn-in]] on [[Cathode-ray tube|CRT]] and plasma [[computer monitor]]s.
; [[Disk formatting| Disk formatter]]: Writes to a disk so that it can be used for a particular format. Can prepare a disk for initial use or erase the entire disk.
*[[sorting#Sort/Merge|Sort/Merge programs]] arrange records (lines) of a file into a specified sequence.
; [[Disk partitioning| Disk partitioner]]: Divides an disk into multiple logical drives, each with its own file system which can be mounted by the operating system.
*[[Macro recorder#Standalone macro recorders|Standalone macro recorders]] permit use of keyboard macros in programs that do not natively support such a feature.
; [[Disk space analyzer]]: Visualizes disk space use for each file and directory.
; Tape initializer: Writes a [[Tape label| label]] to a [[magnetic tape]] or other magnetic medium.<ref>Initializers for [[DECtape]] format the tape into blocks.</ref>
; [[Undeletion| Undelete]]: Supports recovering files that were deleted.
 
===File management===
; [[File archiver| Archiver]]: Outputs a stream or a single file when provided with a directory or a set of files. Archive ''suites'' may include compression and encryption capabilities. Some archive utilities have a separate un-archive utility for the reverse operation. One nearly universal type of archive file format is the [[Zip (file format)|zip file]].
; [[Filesystem-level encryption| Cryptographic]]: Encrypts and decrypts streams and files.
; [[Data compression]]: Outputs a shorter stream or a smaller file when provided with a stream or file.
; [[Data conversion]]: Transforms data from a source file to some other format, such as from a text file to a [[PDF]] document.
; [[Data recovery]]: Recovers data from corrupted files.
; [[Data synchronization]]: Establishes consistency among data from a source to a target data storage and vice versa.
; [[Disk cleaner]]: Deletes files that are unnecessary to computer operation, or take up considerable amounts of space.
; [[File comparison]]: Reports differences between files.
; [[File manager]]: Provides an interface for performing file management tasks such as deleting, renaming, cataloging, moving, copying, merging, setting file access, creating and modifying directories.
; [[File synchronization]]: Maintains consistency between two storages for various purposes including redundancy and backup.
; [[Revision control]]: Manages revisions of files.
 
===Miscellaneous===
; [[Test generation| Data generator]]: Creates a file of test data according to specified patterns. For example, [[Support programs for OS/360 and successors#IEBDG| IEBDG]].
; [[Hex editor]]: Allows for editing the data of a file without regard its format.
; [[HTML checker]]: Validates [[HTML]] code and checks links.
; [[Installation (computer programs)|Installation]] or setup: Initializes or [[configure script| configures]] programs, usually applications programs, for use in a specific computer environment. An [[uninstaller]] does the opposite.
; [[Macro recorder#Standalone macro recorders| Macro recorder]]: Permits use of keyboard macros in programs that do not natively support such a feature.
; [[Patch (computing)|Patching]]: Modifies files, especially object programs when program source is unavailable.
; [[Screensaver]]: Controls the host [[computer monitor| monitor]] with the intention of preventing [[phosphor burn-in]] on [[Cathode-ray tube| CRT]] and plasma monitors.
; [[sorting#Sort/Merge| Sort/Merge program]]: Arranges records (usually lines) of a file into a specified sequence.


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Batch file]]
*[[kdeutils]]
*[[List of DOS commands]]
*[[List of DOS commands]]
*[[List of macOS built-in apps]]
*[[List of macOS built-in apps]]
*[[List of POSIX commands]]
*[[Shell script]]
*[[Support programs for OS/360 and successors]]
*[[Support programs for OS/360 and successors]]
*[[List of Unix commands]]
*[[kdeutils|List of KDE utilities]]
*[[Batch file]]
*[[Shell script]]
*[[System software]]
*[[System software]]


Latest revision as of 19:35, 26 December 2025

Template:Short description

Utility software is software that supports managing the computer infrastructure including computer hardware, system software and application software. Utility software provides for performing tasks as a system administrator (that is, as a user acting in that role). In contrast, application software provides for performing tasks as an end user.

A utility is software that can be classified as utility software. Often a utility is a distinct program, but sometimes multiple utilities are implemented in a single program. For example, BusyBox implements many utilities in a single program. Commonly, a utility provides a command-line interface, but some provide a graphical user interface.

Although an operating system (OS) installation usually includes utilities (which are considered part of the OS), users often install additional utilities.[1][2] The additional utilities may provide a better user experience or additional functionality.

Often, a user must be authorized for elevated privileges to use a utility since it may affect other users of the system.[3]

Taxonomy

This section is a taxonomy of kinds of utilities.

System management

Antivirus
Protects the host system from computer viruses.
Clipboard manager
Expands clipboard functionality.
Computer access control
Grants or denies requests for access to system resources.
Debugger
Provides for programming-level control of program execution including the examination and modification of program data.
Diagnostic
Determines and reports the operational status of computer hardware and software. For example, a memory tester.
Network
Analyzes the host system's network connectivity, configures network settings, reports data transfer and log events.
Package manager
Configures, installs and updates software on the host system.
Registry cleaner
Cleans and optimizes the Windows Registry by removing old registry keys that are no longer in use.
System monitor
Monitors resources and performance of the host system.
System profiler
Reports information about installed software and hardware.

Storage device management

Backup
Copies data from a storage device for the purpose of recovering from data loss due to events such as disk failure, file corruption or accidental deletion.
Disk checker
Checks a disk for problems.
Disk cloning
Duplicates the content of a disk.
Disk compression
Transparently compress/uncompress the content of a disk, increasing the capacity of the disk.
Disk defragmenter
Reorganizes the data of each file so that it is stored contiguously.
Disk formatter
Writes to a disk so that it can be used for a particular format. Can prepare a disk for initial use or erase the entire disk.
Disk partitioner
Divides an disk into multiple logical drives, each with its own file system which can be mounted by the operating system.
Disk space analyzer
Visualizes disk space use for each file and directory.
Tape initializer
Writes a label to a magnetic tape or other magnetic medium.[4]
Undelete
Supports recovering files that were deleted.

File management

Archiver
Outputs a stream or a single file when provided with a directory or a set of files. Archive suites may include compression and encryption capabilities. Some archive utilities have a separate un-archive utility for the reverse operation. One nearly universal type of archive file format is the zip file.
Cryptographic
Encrypts and decrypts streams and files.
Data compression
Outputs a shorter stream or a smaller file when provided with a stream or file.
Data conversion
Transforms data from a source file to some other format, such as from a text file to a PDF document.
Data recovery
Recovers data from corrupted files.
Data synchronization
Establishes consistency among data from a source to a target data storage and vice versa.
Disk cleaner
Deletes files that are unnecessary to computer operation, or take up considerable amounts of space.
File comparison
Reports differences between files.
File manager
Provides an interface for performing file management tasks such as deleting, renaming, cataloging, moving, copying, merging, setting file access, creating and modifying directories.
File synchronization
Maintains consistency between two storages for various purposes including redundancy and backup.
Revision control
Manages revisions of files.

Miscellaneous

Data generator
Creates a file of test data according to specified patterns. For example, IEBDG.
Hex editor
Allows for editing the data of a file without regard its format.
HTML checker
Validates HTML code and checks links.
Installation or setup
Initializes or configures programs, usually applications programs, for use in a specific computer environment. An uninstaller does the opposite.
Macro recorder
Permits use of keyboard macros in programs that do not natively support such a feature.
Patching
Modifies files, especially object programs when program source is unavailable.
Screensaver
Controls the host monitor with the intention of preventing phosphor burn-in on CRT and plasma monitors.
Sort/Merge program
Arranges records (usually lines) of a file into a specified sequence.

See also

References

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  1. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ Initializers for DECtape format the tape into blocks.

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