Which of the following would be considered an essential utility program?

Which of the following would be considered an essential utility program?

• A. Web browser
• B. Backup program
• C. Video editor
• D. Office suite

Answer: (B)

Essential utility programs are tools that help keep the computer running smoothly and protect data. A backup program fits this role because it duplicates and stores copies of your files so you can recover them after hardware failure, accidental deletion, or corruption. That maintenance and protection function is what makes it an essential utility, not a feature used to create content or browse the web. Web browsers, video editors, and office suites are productivity applications designed for specific tasks—surfing the web, editing media, or producing documents—rather than preserving and managing the system. So the backup program is the essential utility among the options.

Essential utility programs are tools that help keep the computer running smoothly and protect data. A backup program fits this role because it duplicates and stores copies of your files so you can recover them after hardware failure, accidental deletion, or corruption. That maintenance and protection function is what makes it an essential utility, not a feature used to create content or browse the web. Web browsers, video editors, and office suites are productivity applications designed for specific tasks—surfing the web, editing media, or producing documents—rather than preserving and managing the system. So the backup program is the essential utility among the options.