System software is a category of software designed to manage and control a computer's hardware and provide a platform for running application software. Unlike application software, which performs specific tasks for the user (like word processing or web browsing), system software operates in the background to ensure that the hardware functions correctly and efficiently, and that applications can run smoothly.
Manages hardware resources and provides a user interface. It handles tasks such as process management, memory management, file system management, and device control
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.
Enable the operating system and applications to communicate with hardware components such as printers, graphics cards, and network adapters. Each hardware component requires a specific driver to function properly
Printer drivers, graphics drivers, network drivers.
Provides low-level control and functions for specific hardware. It is a type of software that is embedded directly into hardware devices to control their operation
BIOS/UEFI firmware in computers, firmware in routers, and firmware in embedded systems.
Perform maintenance tasks and system management functions. Utilities help manage system resources, troubleshoot problems, and optimize performance.
Disk cleanup tools, antivirus software, backup utilities, and system monitoring tools.
Provide a set of functions and routines that application programs can use to perform tasks without having to write low-level code. Libraries offer pre-written code that simplifies complex operations
Standard libraries in programming languages (e.g., libc in C), graphical libraries (e.g., OpenGL), and multimedia libraries
Works closely with hardware and provides an interface for higher-level application software to interact with hardware components
Typically runs in the background and is not directly interacted with by users, unlike application software
Required for the basic functioning of a computer or device, ensuring that hardware and software components work together seamlessly
Manages hardware components like CPUs, memory, storage devices, and peripherals.
Facilitates communication between hardware devices and the operating system through device drivers.
Allocates and manages system memory for various applications and processes.
Manages the execution of multiple processes and ensures efficient use of the CPU.
Enforces security policies and user permissions to protect system resources.
Provides mechanisms for detecting and handling hardware and software errors to maintain system stability
Provides a user-friendly interface for interacting with the computer, including windows, icons, and menus.
Offers a text-based interface for executing commands and performing system operations.
Provides the necessary environment and services for running application software.
Offers a set of system calls and application programming interfaces (APIs) for applications to perform tasks.
An operating system that manages hardware resources and provides a platform for running applications.
The core of the Linux operating system that manages hardware and system resources.
An operating system for Apple computers with a GUI and integrated system management features.
Firmware that initializes hardware components and loads the operating system during boot-up.
Utilities for managing disks, partitions, and file systems.
In summary, system software is essential for the operation and management of computer hardware and provides the foundation upon which application software can run. It ensures that hardware components function correctly, manages system resources, and provides the necessary interfaces for user interaction and application execution
