System software
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System software is computer software designed to operate the computer hardware and to provide a platform for running application software.[1][2]
The most basic types of system software are:
- The computer BIOS and device firmware, provides basic functionality to operate and control the hardware connected to or built into the computer.
- The operating system (prominent examples being Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X and Linux), which allows the parts of a computer to work together by performing tasks like transferring data between memory and disks or rendering output onto a display device. It also provides a platform to run high-level system software and application software.
- Utility software, which helps to analyze, configure, optimize and maintain the computer.
In some publications, the term system software is also used to designate software development tools (like a compiler, linker or debugger).[3]
In contrast to system software, software that allows users to do things like create text documents, play games, listen to music, or surf the web is called application software.[4]
References
- ^ http://depts.alverno.edu/cil/mod1/software/system.html
- ^ http://searchsoa.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid26_gci213024,00.html
- ^ http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/systems_software.html
- ^ W. W. Milner, Ann Montgomery-Smith (2000). Information and Communication Technology for Intermediate Gnvq. p.126
External links
Wikiversity has learning resources about Introduction to Computers/System software