System Software
There are two main types of software: System software and application software
What is System Software
System software provides computer systems for use. It manages computer resources. It runs on the most basic level of the computer and hence it is called "low-level" software.
What is System Software?
Because the system software runs at the very basic level of your computer, it is called "low-level" software. It generates the user interface and allows the operating system to interact with the hardware. Fortunately, you do not have to worry about what the system software is doing because it runs in the background. It is good to think that you are somehow working on "high-level".
System software can be divided into two different categories, utility programs, and operating systems. The operating system is the foundation of your computer and almost every electronic device. The OS boots the computer and ensures that everything is on. The OS is also the one that runs your cell phone and most of your electronic devices. OS, for the most part, is a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that shows you all the applications, and without the OS you can not use the computer. There are many different types of OS that have been discussed later. Utility programs do a very specific job to enhance or manage your computer. For example, your virus protection program, such as Norton, is an example of a utility program that comes with the install / uninstall program that comes standard with Windows.
Operating System (OS) is the most famous example of system software. OS manages all other programs on one computer.
Types of System software
There are five types of the system software, designed to control and coordinate the processes and functions of all computer hardware. They also enable functional interaction between hardware, software, and users.
System software acts as an intermediary to ensure communicating between other software and hardware in order to allow harmonious coexistence with the user.
System software can be classified under:
Operating system: Communicates between hardware, system programs, and other applications.
Device Drivers: Enables device communication with OS and other programs.
Firmware: Enables device control and detection.
Translator: Transitions into the low-level machine code of high-level language.
Utility: ensures the optimum functionality of devices and applications.
1) Operating System (OS)
![]() |
1-Operating-System-System-Software |
The operating system is a type of system software kernel that is between computer hardware and end user. It is first installed on the computer to allow devices and applications to be recognized and therefore functional.
The system software is the first layer of software that is loaded in memory every time the computer is on.
Let's say that the user writes a report and wants to print it on the attached printer. A word processor application is required to complete this task. Data input is done using a keyboard or other input device and then displayed on the monitor. Then the finished data is sent to the printer.
To complete this task, the word processor, keyboard and printer will have to work with the OS, which controls input and output functions, memory management and printer spooling.
Today, the user interacts with the operating system through a graphical user interface (GUI) on a monitor or touchscreen interface. In the modern OS, the desktop is a graphical workspace, which contains menus, icons, and applications, which are manipulated by the user through the touch of a mouse-driven cursor or finger. The Disk Operating System (DOS) was a popular interface used in the 1980s.
Types of Operating Systems
i) Real-Time OS:
The special purpose is installed in embedded systems like robots, cars, and modems.
ii) Single-user and single-task OS:
Phones are installed on single-user devices like.
iii) Single-user and multitask OS:
Installed on modern personal computers.
iv) Multi-user OS:
Installed in a network environment where many users have to share resources. Server OS are examples of multi-user operating systems.
v) Network OS:
Network setup is used to share resources like files, printers.
vi) Internet / Web OS:
Designed to run on the browser that is online.
vii) Mobile OS:
Designed to run on mobile phones, tablets, and other mobile devices.
Functions of Operating Systems
They provide an interface between the user and the hardware through the GUI.
Manages and allocates memory space for the application.
Process the application, input/output device and the management of the instruction.
Configures and manages internal and peripheral devices.
Manage single or multi-user storage in local and network computers.
Files and applications security management.
Input and output manage the device.
Detects the devices, installs them and troubleshoot them.
Monitor system monitors through Task Manager and other tools.
Error Message and Troubleshooting option produces.
Implements the interface for network communication.
Manages printers in single or multi-user systems.
Internal or network file management.
Examples of Operating Systems
Popular OS for computer-
Windows 10
Mac os x
Ubuntu
Popular Networks / Server OS are:
Ubuntu server
Windows server
Red hat enterprise
Popular Internet / Web OS:
Chrome os
Club Linux
Remix os
Popular Mobile OS are:
iPhone OS
Android os
Windows phone os
2) Device Drivers:
![]() |
2-Deice-Drivers-System-Software |
Device Drivers is a type of system software that brings life to computer devices and peripherals. Drivers make all connected components possible and external add-ons do the things you want and as guided by the OS. Without drivers, the OS will not assign any work.
Examples of devices requiring drivers:
The mouse
The keyboard
sound card
Display card
network card
Printer
Usually, the operating system is sent with the driver of most devices available in the market. By default, their drivers will be installed in input devices such as mouse and keyboard. They may never need third-party installation.
If a device is new to the operating system, then users may have to download drivers from manufacturing websites or from alternative sources.
3) Firmware:
![]() |
3-Firmware-System-Software |
Firmware is an embedded operating software embedded within Flash, ROM or EPROM memory chips to recognize the OS. It manages and controls all the activities of any single hardware directly.
Traditionally, the firmware is meant as a fixed software that is represented by the word firm. It was installed on non-volatile chips and can only be upgraded by swapping with new, preprogrammed chips.
This was done to separate them from high-level software, which can be updated without swap components.
Today, the firmware is stored in flash chips, which can be upgraded without swapping of semiconductor chips.
BIOS and UEFI
Today the most important firmware motherboard in the computer is installed by the manufacturer and can be accessed through the old BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or new Unified Extended Firmware Interface platforms.
This is the configuration interface that is first loaded when the computer power is ON and passes through POST (Power On Self Test).
Motherboard firmware starts waking up all the hardware and ensures that components like processor, memory and disk drive are operational. If all the important components are OK, then it will run the bootloader, which will load the operating system. If the Random-Access Memory is faulty, then the BIOS will not allow the computer to boot.
The user can change the BIOS and UEFI settings by pressing Special Keys (a function key, delete, or esc key) to load the configuration page. The user can configure security, boot order, time and other options on the page that pops up.
Although they work in different ways, in some ways the firmware drives the compatibility of the drivers. Both devices identify hardware devices, later show the device to the operating system.
The main difference between the two is that the firmware always lives within the device, while drivers will be installed within the operating system.
The firmware upgrade comes from the device manufacturer (not the OS manufacturer). They are essential if the user wants to get new hardware and software support for computer hardware. The firmware device will make it possible to do better with older and newer operating systems and applications.
Almost all devices and peripherals are embedded with firmware has been found. Network cards, TV tuners, router, scanners, or monitors are examples of those devices in which firmware is installed.
4) Programming Language Translators:
![]() |
4-Programming-Language-Translators-System-Software |
These software programs are an intermediate program for translating high-level language source code into machine language code. First, it is a collection of programming languages ​​that are easy for humans to understand and code (i.e., Java, C ++, Python, PHP, BASIC). Later it is a complex code that is understood by the processor only.
Popular language translators are compilers, assemblers, and interpreters. They are usually designed by computer manufactures. Translator programs can translate the program code, or translate every other instruction at a time.
Machine code has been written in a number system of base-2, which is written in 0 or 1. This is a low-level language. While this is not understood by humans, zero and forest are actually indexed by the processor to refer to every conceivable humane code and word.
In addition to simplifying the work of software developers, translators help in various design works. They;
Identify syntax errors during the translation, thus allowing changes to the code.
Whenever the codes do not follow the rules, they provide a diagnostic report.
Allot the data storage for the program.
List the source code and program details both.
5) Utilities
![]() |
5-Utilities-System-Software |
Utilities are types of software that are among the systems and application software. These programs intend for diagnostics and maintenance tasks for computers. They come in handy to ensure computer operations. Their work differs from critical data protection to disk drive defragmentation.
PC maintenance is very easy if you have this utility
Most are third-party tools, but they can come in bundles with the operating system. Third-party tools are available individually or are bundled together, such as Hiren Boot CD, Ultimate Boot CD, and Kaspersky Rescue Disk.
Examples and features of utility software include:
Antivirus and security software, such as Malwarebytes, Microsoft Security Essentials and AVG, for the protection of files and applications.
Disk Partition Services such as Windows Disk Management, Easeus Partition Master, and Partition Magic.
Disk defragmentation, to organize scattered files on the drive. Examples include Disk Defragmenter, Perfect Disk, Disk Keeper, Comodo Free Firewall, and Little Snitch.
Data backup for security reasons, e.g., Cobian, Clonezilla, and Comodo
Hardware Diagnostic Services like Hard Disk Sentinel, Memtest, and Performance Monitor.
Data Recovery to help recover lost data. Examples include iCare Data Recovery, Recuva, and EaseUs Data Recovery.
Firewall, such as Windows Firewall, to protect against external threats.
No comments:
Post a Comment