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System Software

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13 views

System Software

Uploaded by

Andrea Vargas
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lesson 2

Understanding System Software: The Backbone of Computing

● Let’s chat a little bit..

What is a Software?

What is System Software?

.
What is the difference between System
Software and Application Software?
System Software
Software is a set of instructions, data or programs used to operate computers and
execute specific tasks. It is the opposite of hardware, which describes the physical
aspects of a computer. Software is a generic term used to refer to applications, scripts
and programs that run on a device. It can be thought of as the variable part of a
computer, while hardware is the invariable part.

The two main categories of software are application software and system software. An
application is software that fulfills a specific need or performs tasks. System software
is designed to run a computer's hardware and provides a platform for applications to
run on top of.
Types of System Software

● Operating Systems (OS): The operating system is the most


significant component of system software. It manages all other
programs in a computer, including hardware resources like CPU,
memory, disk drives, and peripherals. Examples include Microsoft
Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.
Key Functions of an Operating System:
Process Management: Allocates CPU time to various tasks, ensuring that multiple
programs can run simultaneously without interference.

Memory Management: Manages the computer's memory, keeping track of each byte in a
computer’s memory and ensuring that data does not overlap.

File System Management: Organizes and controls how data is stored, retrieved, and
updated on storage devices.

Device Management: Controls and manages the computer’s peripheral devices, such as
printers, monitors, and disk drives.

User Interface: Provides a graphical or command-line interface for user interaction.


Device Drivers

Device drivers are specialized programs that allow the operating system to
communicate with hardware devices. Each hardware component, such as a
printer, graphics card, or network adapter, requires a specific driver to function
correctly. These drivers act as translators, converting general OS commands
into device-specific instructions.
Utility Programs
Utilities are system software designed to help manage, maintain, and control computer
resources. These include antivirus programs, disk cleanup tools, backup software, and
file compression utilities. Utility programs often enhance the performance and security
of the operating system.
Firmware
Firmware is a type of low-level software that is embedded directly into the hardware
components of a computer system. It provides the necessary instructions for how the
device communicates with other computer hardware. Examples include the BIOS (Basic
Input/Output System) found in personal computers and the firmware in routers.
System Management Software

This software includes tools and applications that manage and


monitor system resources and performance. Examples include
network management systems, server management tools, and
virtualization software.
The Importance of System Software
Efficiency: It optimizes the use of hardware resources, ensuring that the system
operates efficiently and effectively.

Security: System software includes security features that protect against unauthorized
access and threats, helping to safeguard data and maintain system integrity.

Compatibility: It provides a consistent environment for application software, allowing


different programs to run on the same hardware without conflicts.

User Experience: Through graphical user interfaces and other interaction methods,
system software enhances the usability and accessibility of computer systems for users
of all skill levels.

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