What is System Software?

By Simplilearn
Last updated on Nov 14, 20222408

System software is a program designed to run a computer's hardware and applications and
manage its resources, such as its memory, processors, and devices. It also provides a platform
for running application software, and system software is typically bundled with a computer's
operating system.

There are different systems software types, including Windows, Linux, MacOS X, BSD, etc.
Each type of system software has its own set of unique characteristics.

For example, Windows XP is designed for Microsoft products, while Ubuntu is designed for
GNU/Linux applications.

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Important Features of System Software

1. High Speed

System software is responsible for various tasks, including controlling the CPU, memory,
monitor, keyboard, mouse, floppy disk drive, CD-ROM, printer, etc. System software works
closely with the operating system software that runs the computer. The entire computer may
become corrupted if the system software does not work correctly. So high speed is an
essential feature of system software.

2. Versatile

The versatility of system software is determined by how many different programs it can run
simultaneously. A good example would be Microsoft Windows. Hundreds of applications run
on Windows, ranging from games video editing, audio recording, photo processing, and
much more. Most of these apps are free, but some have a cost associated with them
depending on what version has been downloaded for use.

3. Hard to Manipulate

The difficulty of manipulating a system software is determined by how difficult it is to

change settings and configurations. Many modern systems have user-friendly interfaces,
allowing users to set their preferences. However, if the design requires advanced skills, a
novice may need help to figure out how to do something.

4. Close to the System

The closeness of system software to the System determines its accessibility.

• If the system software is located separately, it is considered independent. Independent

means it is not connected to the System and cannot access any files stored on the
system.
• On the contrary, a dependent system is located directly inside the computer.
Dependent systems require less space than independent ones.

Types of System Software

System software is essential for a computer to function properly. And the most common
types of system software are operating systems, device drivers, middleware, utilities, and
programming language interpreters.

Operating System

Operating systems are the most important type of system software. An operating system is a
software that controls how your hardware works, which means it manages the computer's
memory, processes, and all of its software and hardware.

Every operating system has certain advantages and disadvantages, ranging from simple to
complex. For example, Windows 10 is very similar to Windows 8.1 but with some significant
improvements. In addition, you can install additional software programs and add-ons to
enhance your experience.

Device Drivers

Device drivers are tiny programs that enable a computer to communicate with its hardware
devices, such as printers, scanners, and keyboards. Without device drivers, the hardware you
connect to your computer will not be working properly. For example, without device drivers,
your printer will not work properly. Device manufacturers provide most device drivers, but
Microsoft also provides some generic ones.

Firmware

Firmware is a type of software that is embedded in a hardware device. It controls the device
and performs its essential functions. Firmware is usually stored in read-only memory (ROM),
which means it cannot be modified or deleted. However, some devices have firmware that
can be updated. Firmware updates can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website or
installed from a CD or USB drive.

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BIOS and UEFI

BIOS (basic input/output system) is a firmware code that is executed when a computer is
powered on. It performs a power-on self-test (POST) and initializes the computer before
loading the operating system. The BIOS is stored in a ROM (read-only memory) chip on the
motherboard.

UEFI (unified extensible firmware interface) is a newer type of firmware that offers more
features than BIOS. UEFI is designed to be platform-independent and can be used with a
variety of operating systems. UEFI also supports a larger boot volume than BIOS and can
boot from devices with a 2TB or more capacity.

Programming Language Translator

Programming languages are like human languages in that they are used to communicate
instructions to a computer. However, unlike human languages, programming languages are
designed to be read and understood by computers, not humans. That is where programming
language translators come in.

Programming language translators are programs that convert code written in one
programming language into another programming language. This translator can be helpful
when you want to take code written in one language and run it on a machine that only
understands another language. It converts code from an older language into a newer one,
making it easier to keep your code up-to-date.

Utilities

Utilities are programs that help maintain and optimize a computer's performance.

Examples of utility programs include file managers, virus scanners, and disk defragmenters.

Utility programs are usually bundled with the operating system or can be downloaded from
the internet.

Types of Application Software

There are many application software, each designed for a specific purpose. Some common
examples include word processors, spreadsheet programs, and presentation softwares. Each
application software type has unique features and functions, making it better suited for
specific tasks than others.
For example,

• Word processors are designed to create and edit text-based documents, while
spreadsheet programs are better suited to work with numerical data.
• Presentation software is typically used for slide shows or presentations, but it can also
be used for other purposes, such as for creating diagrams or charts.

Features of Application Software

Application software is a type of software that is designed to perform a specific task or task.
Examples of application software include word processors, spreadsheet programs, and
database programs.

The main features of application software include the ability to:

• Open, save, and edit files.

• Perform calculations.
• Create and format documents.

Other features may include the ability to:

• Send and receive an email.

• Browse the World Wide Web.
• Create and edit digital images.

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Features of System Software

System software is responsible for managing a computer's resources and providing standard
services for computer programs.

System software includes the operating system and a variety of utility programs that help
manage a computer's resources and provide standard services for computer programs, which
is the common feature of system software.

Operating Systems
Operating systems manage a computer's resources, such as memory, processors, and I/O
devices. They also provide a platform for running application programs. The most common
operating system today is Microsoft Windows, which runs on personal computers, servers,
and many mobile devices. Other popular operating systems include Apple's macOS, Google's
Android, and Linux.

What Does an Operating System Do?

• An operating system is the most critical software that runs on a computer.
• It manages the computer's memory and processes and all of its software and
hardware. It also allows you to communicate with the computer without knowing how
to program it.
• Without an operating system, a computer would be useless, and it could not run any
programs or access any of its data. The operating system makes a computer more
functional.

Tasks Performed By Operating System

Operating systems handle various tasks, from managing system resources to providing user
interfaces.

• Resource management is one of the most critical tasks performed by an operating

system. This resource management includes managing the CPU, memory, and I/O
devices. The operating system must ensure that the various processes can access these
resources as needed while preventing conflicts between processes.
• Another important task of the operating system is providing a user interface. This
interference can be a graphical user interface (GUI) or a command-line interface
(CLI). The operating system handles user input and provides the output.

Process Management

Operating systems are responsible for managing the various processes that are running on a
computer system. This includes managing the processor, memory, and other hardware
resources. The operating system is responsible for ensuring that each process gets the
resources it needs to run properly. Additionally, the operating system is responsible for
managing the communication between processes, as well as providing a variety of other
services.

File Management

Operating systems perform various tasks, one of which is managing files. This task includes
such as creating, deleting, and moving files. The operating system is responsible for keeping
track of where files are located and accessing them correctly. File management is critical to
any operating system, as it ensures that files are stored securely and correctly. With effective
file management, it would be easier to use a computer.

Memory Management

A computer's operating system is responsible for managing its memory. This responsibility
includes allocating memory to different programs, keeping track of which parts of memory
are being used by which programs, and reclaiming memory when it is no longer needed.
Memory management is a critical part of the operating system's job and must be done
carefully to ensure that the system runs smoothly. If memory is managed correctly, programs
can interfere with each other, and the system can become stable.

Several techniques can be used for memory management, and the operating system will
typically use a combination. Some of the most common techniques include paging,
segmentation, and caching.

• Paging is a technique where memory is divided into small pages, and each program is
given its page.
• Segmentation is another technique for memory management. Here, memory is divided
into segments, and each program is given its feature.
• Caching is a technique where frequently used data is stored in a particular area of
memory called a cache.

Memory management is a complex task, and the operating system must carefully balance the
needs of all the programs running on the system. By combining different techniques, the
operating system can ensure that memory is used efficiently and runs smoothly.

Device Management

Device management is the process of allocating and deallocating resources to and from
devices connected to a computer system. The operating system manages the devices
connected to the design and ensures they can function correctly. Device management
includes detecting new devices, installing drivers, and configuring devices. It is also
responsible for maintaining a list of all the devices connected to the system and their current
status.

Other Important Tasks

• Operating systems also play a role in security, ensuring that only allowed users can
access system resources.
• And, operating systems can provide networking capabilities, allowing computers to
communicate with each other.

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Difference Between System Software and Application

Software
• System software is designed to provide a platform for other software programs to run.
Application software is a type of software that is designed to perform a specific task
or set of functions.
• System software is typically installed onto a computer before any application software
is installed, and application software is generally installed after the system software is
installed.
Modes of Computer System Operation
There are three modes of Computer System Operation they are:

1. Single User Mode:

In this mode, only one user can access the system simultaneously. This Single-User Mode is
the most common mode of operation for personal computers.

2. Multi-User Mode:

In this mode, multiple users can access the system simultaneously. This Multi-User Mode is
the most common mode of operation for servers.

3. Distributed Mode:

In this mode, the system is spread across multiple machines, each running a portion of the
system. This Distributed Mode is the most common mode of operation for large systems,
such as enterprise networks.

Operating Systems for Personal Computers

Operating systems for personal computers are designed to provide a user interface and
platform for running applications. The most common operating systems for personal
computers are Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS, and Linux. Each operating system has its
strengths and weaknesses, and users often choose one based on their preferences and needs.