Tweaking Your Computer: Utility Software

摘要

Your brand-new Pentium or PowerMac is all set up with a great word processor, fine spreadsheet, all the necessary online tools, favorite graphics software, and games handy for a break. What more do you need? Maybe nothing, unless you want virus protection, customization, more speed, and ease of use. Then you're a customer for software's most complicated and chaotic area—utilities. What is utility software? Generally, it's software other than applications or games. Utility software isn't the stuff you use to process words, crunch numbers, build databases, prepare presentations, plan projects, or draw conclusions (or cats)—although it may support the programs you use to do so. Instead, utility software enhances the computer itself and the way you use it. At least that's the theory.