System software perform the basic function necessary to start and operate a computer. It Controls and monitors the various activities and resource of a computer and makes it easier and more efficient to use the computer.
Depending upon the task performed the system software can be divide into two major groups:
System management programs
Used for managing both the hardware and software system
System Development Programs
Used for developing and executing application software
System management software
System management software control the execution of programs, manage the storage and processing resource of the computer and perform management and monitoring function.
They also enable the users to perform certain utility functions such as creating backup files, recovering damaged file and merging files. System management programs include:
Operating system (OS)
Utility programs
Device Drivers
Operating system (OS)
Operating system is the principal component of system software and is responsible for overall management of computer resources.
OS act as an interface between the user and the computer hardware and controls the execution of all kinds of programs.
It provides users an environment in which a user can execute programs conveniently and efficiently.
Function of Operating System
- Memory management
- Processor management
- Device management
- File management
- Security management
- Control over the system performance
- Error Detecting
Utility programs
Utility program/service program are provide additional capabilities to the computer system in addition to the ones provided by the operating system. utility program programs are added to an operating system to perform many different tasks.
Some of the task are:
- Search and replace
- Disk defragmenter
- System restore
- Virus scanner
- Backup
- Data recovery
Device Drivers
A computer system is connected with multiple input and output devices, so that it can communicate with the end user.in order to interact with the I/O devices the computer system requires special software called device driver.
The device driver act as a translator between the I/O devise and the computer.
Sound card Driver, printers Driver, graphics card driver, USB driver
Read also : Application Software
