Which of the following describes a potentially damaging computer program that affects, or infects, a computer negatively by altering the way the computer works without the user's knowledge or permission?

a. file conversion

b. utility virus

c. hotspot

d. file compression utility

e. ZIP

Option (b) i. e "utility virus" is the correct answer to the given question

Explanation:

The utility virus sometimes affected the operating system. It created the new files in the computer that makes the computer system slow. The utility virus making the spreading of malware in the computer system

The main objective of utility virus damaging the software program that impacts a pc or infects also it negatively by changing the way the machine operates without the user knowledge or the permission.

File conversion is used for converting the file extension it does not impact on computer damaging that's why this option is incorrect. Hotspot is used to giving the access of internet it does not impact on computer damaging that's why this option is incorrect. File compression utility and ZIP is used to reducing the file size it does not impact on computer damaging that's why this option is incorrect.

Therefore utility virus is the correct answer.