What type of software is designed to maintain a computer?

Utility software is specifically designed to help maintain, optimize, and manage computer systems. It includes a variety of tools that perform tasks such as disk management, virus scanning, file management, and system diagnostics. By providing these functionalities, utility software ensures that the computer operates efficiently and remains free from potential issues that could affect performance or security.

In the context of the other types of software: application software is focused on helping users perform tasks such as word processing, spreadsheet management, or graphic design, rather than maintaining the computer itself. System software, which includes the operating system, provides the core functions necessary for running hardware and application software but does not specifically target maintenance tasks. Firmware refers to specialized software programmed into hardware devices, providing low-level control but is not typically involved in general computer maintenance. Thus, the role of utility software as a maintenance tool clearly establishes it as the correct answer.