1.

System Software
System software is a program that is architected to execute and process hardware and
application software development simultaneously. Therefore, we can say that it is an interface
between hardware and application software. Operating System is an example of system
software. Operating System manages all the other programs on a computer or mobile device.
System Software is used to manage and run mobile and computer systems. It runs in the
background and maintains the essential functions of the device. Due to system software,
higher-level application software can perform their tasks efficiently. As system software runs at
the primary level in your computer and mobile, it is called low-level software. It provides a
platform for application software to run on the top and interact with users.
Examples of system software are Compiler, Operating System, Debugger, etc.
Features of System Software
System Software is given inbuilt in the devices by the manufacturers. The features of system
software are:
Fast in Speed
System Software is made to be as fast as possible to provide an effective platform for higher-
level software.
Hard to Manipulate
System Software is hard to manipulate as they do not directly interact with users and are
written in a more complex programming language.
Written in Low-Level Language
System Software is written in low-level language so the CPU and other hardware can
understand it.
Close to the System
It is directly connected to the hardware and enables them to run.
Small in Size
The size of software is petite compared to all other applications.
Difficult to Design
Designing software is a complicated task as they are written in a lower-level language.
Types of System Software
All the essential functions of computers are managed by system software. They also manage
disk operating systems, utility software, file management, and operating systems.
Operating system
An operating system is system software that provides a platform between computer hardware,
application software, and end-users. It is pre-installed on devices and allows them to be
identified and then function. OS is the first thing to be loaded when a system is started.
Device Drivers
A Device Driver is system software that operates or controls a particular device attached to a
computer. It is the device drivers who make it possible for all the external devices to perform
their tasks. Most of the hardware comes with pre-installed drivers in it. However, if the device
is new to the system, then the user may have to download the drivers.
Firmware
Firmware is an operational software stored in a flash, ROM, EPROM for the OS to identify it.
The firmware provides instructions on how the device should be operated. Unlike other
software, firmware can not be manipulated, changed, or deleted by the end-users. They remain
on the device.
BIOS and UEFI
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or the new UEFI (Unified Extended Firmware Software) gets
the computer system started when we turn it on. BIOS also manages the flow of information
between operating systems and the attached devices.
Programming Language Translator
These are the intermediate system software through which programmers convert the high-level
language programming code to machine-level language code. Assembler, Interpreter, and
Compiler are the popular language translators. They are usually designed by the computer
manufacturer and are deliver inbuilt with the system.
Utilities
Utilities are the type of system software that is present between user and application software.
These are the programs designed to configure, analyze, optimize and maintain tasks of the
computer. Their task varies from disk fragmentation to data security.

2. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

An arithmetic logic unit(ALU) is a major component of the central processing unit of the a
computer system. It does all processes related to arithmetic and logic operations that need to
be done on instruction words. In some microprocessor architectures, the ALU is divided into
the arithmetic unit (AU) and the logic unit (LU).
An ALU can be designed by engineers to calculate many different operations. When the
operations become more and more complex, then the ALU will also become more and more
expensive and also takes up more space in the CPU and dissipates more heat. That is why
engineers make the ALU powerful enough to ensure that the CPU is also powerful and fast, but
not so complex as to become prohibitive in terms of cost and other disadvantages.
ALU is also known as an Integer Unit (IU). The arithmetic logic unit is that part of the CPU that
handles all the calculations the CPU may need. Most of these operations are logical in nature.
Depending on how the ALU is designed, it can make the CPU more powerful, but it also
consumes more energy and creates more heat. Therefore, there must be a balance between
how powerful and complex the ALU is and how expensive the whole unit becomes. This is why
faster CPUs are more expensive, consume more power and dissipate more heat.
Different operation as carried out by ALU can be categorized as follows –
 logical operations − These include operations like AND, OR, NOT, XOR, NOR, NAND, etc.
  Bit-Shifting Operations − This pertains to shifting the positions of the bits by a certain
number of places either towards the right or left, which is considered a multiplication or
division operations.
 Arithmetic operations − This refers to bit addition and subtraction. Although
multiplication and division are sometimes used, these operations are more expensive to
make. Multiplication and subtraction can also be done by repetitive additions and
subtractions respectively.

CONTROL UNIT
control unit drives the corresponding processing hardware by generating a set of signals that
are in sync with the master clock. The two major operations performed by the control unit are
instruction interpretation and instruction sequencing.
The control unit is a part of the Central Processing Unit (CPU). The CPU is divided into the
arithmetic logic unit and the control unit. The control unit generates the appropriate timing
and control signals to all the operations involved with a computer. The flow of data between
the processor, memory, and other peripherals is controlled using the timing signals of the
control unit.
The main function of a control unit is to fetch the data from the main memory, determine the
devices and the operations involved with it, and produce control signals to execute the
operations.
The functions of the control unit are as follows −

 It helps the computer system in the process of carrying out the stored program
instructions.
 It interacts with both the main memory and arithmetic logic unit.
 It performs arithmetic or logical operations.
 It coordinates with all the activities related to the other units and the peripherals.