Utility software

In computing, a utility is a program or module which is used to give a general-purpose result, for many different uses. A utility is intended for a wide range of users, rather than an "app" (application program) which might be intended to serve a specific purpose for specific users.

For example, a utility program may handle computer files or guard against computer viruses.

Definition

Utility is a system software that corresponds towards analyzing, configuring and optimizing the computer.

Common examples of utility programs

Anti-Virus
Archives
synchronisation
Disk compression
Disk Defragment
search bar
system restore
synchronisation
zip/unzip

The word "utility" has been used to mean a "general-purpose computing tool" for many decades, since at least 1960.

References

1 2 "What does utility program mean?", Definitions.net, June 2011 (notes "Etymology: 1960"), web: DN.
1 2 "Programmed Data Processor-1, 1960", ComputerHistory.org, archives, 1960, web (PDF file): CH-PDF Archived 2010-07-08 at the Wayback Machine.
1 2 "Catalog of Copyright Entries. Third Series: 1960", 1961, Library of Congress. Copyright Office, p.350, web: BG-AAJ, notes "IBM 705 III utility program: data file print... ©10May60".

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[DN-1] 1 2 "What does utility program mean?", Definitions.net, June 2011 (notes "Etymology: 1960"), web: DN.

[CH-2] 1 2 "Programmed Data Processor-1, 1960", ComputerHistory.org, archives, 1960, web (PDF file): CH-PDF Archived 2010-07-08 at the Wayback Machine.

[LOC-3] 1 2 "Catalog of Copyright Entries. Third Series: 1960", 1961, Library of Congress. Copyright Office, p.350, web: BG-AAJ, notes "IBM 705 III utility program: data file print... ©10May60".