SYSTEM SOFTWARE

Software divided into two:

i) System Software

ii) Application Software

Consists of FOUR(4) types of programs:

1) Operating System

2) Utilities

3) Device Drivers

4) Language Translators

System Software works with end users, application software and computer hardware to handle the majority of technical details.

An operating system (OS) is a collection of programs that handle technical tasks.

OS functions:

  • Managing Computer Resources
  • Providing User Interface
  • Running Applications

OS features:

  • Booting
  • Features in common with application software
  • Files and Folders

Categories of Operating Systems:

  • Embedded operating systems
  • Stand-alone operating systems
  • Network operating systems

UTILITIES

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Utilities are specialized programs designed to make computing easier.

Most essential utilities:

  • Troubleshooting or diagnostic programs
  • Antivirus programs
  • Backup programs
  • File compression programs

DEVICE DRIVERS

A device driver is a program that controls a particulars type of device that is attached to a computer.

LANGUAGE TRANSLATORS

Language translators are of three types:

  • Assembler
  • Interpreter
  • Compiler