Which of the following is considered utility software in computer systems?

Concept

Computer software is commonly classified by the role it performs. System software manages the computer itself, application software helps users perform specific tasks, and utility software maintains, protects, or optimizes the system.

Utility programs support housekeeping functions such as security scanning, backup, compression, and disk maintenance.

Application

An antivirus program scans for malicious software and can quarantine or remove it. These are protective system-maintenance functions, so it belongs to the utility-software category.

Contrast

• Linux is an operating system: it manages hardware resources and provides a platform for other software.

• Microsoft Excel is spreadsheet application software: it helps users calculate, analyze, and organize data.

• An antivirus program is a maintenance and security tool: it scans, quarantines, and removes malware.

• Google Chrome is web-browser application software: it renders and navigates web content.

Cross-check

Apply the role test: core resource management indicates system software, a direct user task indicates application software, and system protection or maintenance indicates utility software. The antivirus program fits the third role.

Therefore, the utility software among the given choices is Antivirus program.