System Software Detailed Study Notes for the UGC-NET Paper 1
System software refers to a collection of programs that manage and control the computer hardware and provide a platform for running application software. It acts as an intermediary between the hardware and the user, facilitating communication and coordination between various components of the computer system. System software includes operating systems, device drivers, utilities, and firmware, all of which are essential for the efficient operation of a computer system.
System software is a very trending topic to be asked in the ICT section of competitive exams such as UGC-NET Paper 1.
In this article, the readers will be able to know about the system software along with certain other related topics in detail.
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What is System Software?
System software is a type of computer program designed to manage and control the hardware components of a computer system and provide a platform for running application software. It serves as an intermediary between the hardware and the user, facilitating communication and coordination between various system components.
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Types of System Software
System software consists of various programs designed to manage, control, and support the operation of computer hardware and provide a platform for running application software. The main types of system software include:
- Operating Systems (OS): Operating systems are the fundamental software that manages hardware resources and provides services for software applications. They facilitate communication between hardware and software components, manage memory, handle input and output operations, and provide a user interface. Examples include Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Unix, and Android.
- Device Drivers: Device drivers are specialized software programs that enable communication between the operating system and hardware devices such as printers, graphics cards, network adapters, and storage devices. They translate generic commands from the operating system into specific commands understood by each hardware device, ensuring proper functionality and compatibility.
- Firmware: Firmware is software that is embedded into hardware devices and provides low-level control and functionality. It is stored in non-volatile memory chips and is closely tied to the hardware it controls. Firmware is responsible for initializing hardware components during the boot-up process and providing essential functions for device operation. Examples include BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) in computers, firmware in routers, printers, and other electronic devices.
- System Utilities: System utilities are software tools that provide additional functionalities to enhance system performance, security, and maintenance. They include programs for disk management, file management, backup and recovery, system optimization, security, and troubleshooting. Examples include antivirus software, disk defragmenters, backup utilities, system monitoring tools, and diagnostic tools.
- Language Translators: Language translators are software tools that convert high-level programming languages into machine code that can be executed by the computer hardware. They include compilers, interpreters, and assemblers. Compilers translate entire programs into machine code before execution, interpreters translate and execute code line-by-line, and assemblers translate assembly language code into machine code.
Difference Between System Software and Application Software
|
Aspect |
System Software |
Application Software |
|
Purpose |
Manages, controls, and supports computer hardware. |
Performs specific tasks or functions for the user. |
|
Functionality |
Handles low-level tasks such as managing memory, handling input/output operations, managing files and directories, controlling peripheral devices, and providing a user interface. |
Provides functionality directly addressing the needs and requirements of users, such as word processing, spreadsheet management, graphic design, gaming, and web browsing. |
|
Examples |
Operating systems (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux), device drivers (e.g., printer drivers, graphics drivers), firmware (e.g., BIOS, router firmware), system utilities (e.g., antivirus software, disk management tools). |
Word processors (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs), spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets), graphic design programs (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW), video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro), web browsers (e.g., Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox). |
|
Installation |
Installed during the setup process of a computer system or when installing hardware components. Operates in the background and is essential for the proper functioning of the computer system. |
Installed separately from the operating system and other system software. Users can install, update, and remove application software according to their needs and preferences. Operates within the environment provided by the operating system and relies on system software for execution and resource management. |
Conclusion
System software plays a crucial role in the functioning of computer systems by managing hardware resources, providing a user-friendly interface, and facilitating the execution of application software. Operating systems serve as the core component of system software, providing essential functionalities such as process management, memory management, file management, and device management. Device drivers enable communication between the operating system and hardware devices, ensuring proper operation and compatibility. Utilities offer additional tools and functionalities to enhance system performance, security, and maintenance. Together, these components form the backbone of modern computing, enabling users to interact with computers effectively and utilize their capabilities to the fullest extent.
System software is a vital topic as per several competitive exams. It is advisable for the learners to go through other similar topics with the Testbook App.