SARAH

Study Notes

System Software

System software is a type of software that manages and controls a computer's hardware components and provides a platform for running application software.

Types of System Software:

Operating System (OS): Manages computer hardware and provides a platform for running application software. Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux.
Device Drivers: Allow the OS to communicate with hardware devices. Examples: printer drivers, graphics drivers.
Utility Programs: Perform specific tasks, such as disk formatting, virus scanning, and backup and recovery. Examples: disk defragmenter, antivirus software.
Firmware: Permanent software stored in the ROM (Read-Only Memory) of a hardware device. Examples: BIOS (Basic Input/Output System), UEFI ( Unified Extensible Firmware Interface).

Functions of System Software:

Process Management: Manage the creation, execution, and termination of processes (programs).
Memory Management: Manage the allocation and deallocation of memory for running programs.
File Management: Provide a file system for storing and retrieving files.
Input/Output (I/O) Management: Manage input/output operations between devices and programs.
Security: Provide mechanisms for controlling access to computer resources.

Characteristics of System Software:

Low-Level Programming: System software is typically written in low-level programming languages, such as assembly language or C.
Hardware-Dependent: System software is specific to the type of hardware it is running on.
Complexity: System software is often complex and requires a deep understanding of computer architecture and operating system principles.

Examples of System Software: