Utility software/Programs

Utility software often comes packaged with the os.Its purpose os to ensure it looks after or runs 'house keeping tasks' for the computer devices and prpgrams in the following areas

• File sorting
• File renaming
• File conversion 
• File repair 
• disk monitoring and de fragmentation 
• printing jobs
• backing up data
• Anti virus

Utility software helps to manage, maintain and control computer resources. Operating systems typically contain the necessary tools for this, but separate utility programs can provide improved functionality. Utility software is often somewhat technical and targeted at users with a solid knowledge of computers. If you use a computer mostly for e-mail, some Internet browsing and typing up a report, you may not have much need for these utilities. However, if you are an avid computer user, these utilities can help make sure your computer stays in tip-top shape.

A utility programs will have a specific task and so will only do a couple of these jobs

Antivirus software is an example of a utility software , as the name suggests, helps to protect a computer system from viruses and other harmful programs. A computer virus is a computer program that can cause damage to a computer's software, hardware or data. It is referred to as a virus because it has the capability to replicate itself and hide inside other computer files.
One of the most common ways to get a virus is to download a file from the Internet. Antivirus software scans your on line activity to make sure you are not downloading infected files. New viruses are coming out all the time, so antivirus software needs to be updated very frequently.

Benefits

• Malware protection
•  fully functioning antivirus program protects computers from malware. Most have a built-in real-time protection to detect malware and either delete or quarantine it.
• Data protection
• hackers are known to install spyware on your computer to steal personal information such as passwords, financial data and account information. Antivirus protection software keep a tight leash on the ports hackers are known to open to steal this type of information.
• Network protection
• Some of these programs are rogue security programs that try to trick you into purchasing full versions of fake software. Antivirus protection programs are typically accompanied by firewall software, which limits network access to specific programs.