Uses of Software Utilities

Software utilities are used to resolve problems, make configurations and manage programs in the operating system. There are many software utilities on the market and their functionality can range from simple activities as copying simple files from external storage devices to complex ones that manage the registry, clean junk files and modify system properties. Some of the most useful utilities are the ones that automate routine troubleshooting in systems. Some of these can be used to diagnose system configuration issues, offer recommendations and do a bunch of things. Since most of these are commercially produced, they come with easy-to-use graphic user interfaces, check boxes and the like.

In most cases, when it comes to system configurations, most of the software utilities are able to offer access to registry, environmental settings and system start up options. Other utilities just provide additional capabilities to the operating system. Disk deframenters are one group of software utilities that can detect files on the hard disk that are fragmented and can thus move those fragments together to increase the overall efficiency. The purpose of any disk defragmenting software is one; to minimize head travel time and maximize transfer rate. Disk cleaners are other utilities that are used to find and remove unnecessary files that take up considerable space on the hard disk. The cleaning process involves searching and analyzing the hard drive and deletion of any files found. Some common files that are found by the disk cleaner software utilities include temporary internet files, recycle bin files, setup log files, optional windows components and files left behind from an uninstallation. This list is not exhaustive and can include a bunch of other file types.

File managers are some of the most useful software utilities out there. These provide a convenient method of deleting, cataloging, copying, merging, renaming, generating and modifying data on the hard disk. Some file managers provide network connectivity and allow a user to remotely create, rename, search, delete or otherwise alter remote files using a number of methods. There are different types of file managers. Some of these include file-list mangers, directory editors, navigational file managers and orthodox file managers. A good example of a navigational file manger is the Windows Explorer. In Mac OS X, the Finder is an example of a navigational file manger.

Other software utilities include system profilers, anti-virus utilities, cryptographic utilities, network mangers and text editors. These software applications make management and configurations easy for an average computer user.