System Software
System software is a program that is architected to execute and process hardware and
application software development simultaneously. Therefore, we can say that it is an interface
between hardware and application software. Operating System is an example of system
software. Operating System manages all the other programs on a computer or mobile device.
System Software is used to manage and run mobile and computer systems. It runs in the
background and maintains the essential functions of the device. Due to system software,
higher-level application software can perform their tasks efficiently. As system software runs at
the primary level in your computer and mobile, it is called low-level software. It provides a
platform for application software to run on the top and interact with users.
Examples of system software are Compiler, Operating System, Debugger, etc.
Features of System Software
System Software is given inbuilt in the devices by the manufacturers. The features of system
software are:
Fast in Speed
Hard to Manipulate
Written in Low-Level Language.
Close to the System
Small in Size
Difficult to Design
Types of System Software
All the essential functions of computers are managed by system software. They also manage disk
operating systems, utility software, file management, and operating systems.
1. Operating system
An operating system is system software that provides a platform between computer hardware,
application software, and end-users. It is pre-installed on devices and allows them to be
identified and then function. OS is the first thing to be loaded when a system is started.
2. Device Drivers
A Device Driver is system software that operates or controls a particular device attached to a
computer. It is the device drivers who make it possible for all the external devices to perform
their tasks. Most of the hardware comes with pre-installed drivers in it. However, if the device is
new to the system, then the user may have to download the drivers.
3. Firmware
Firmware is operational software stored in a flash, ROM, EPROM for the OS to identify it.
The firmware provides instructions on how the device should be operated. Unlike other
software, firmware can not be manipulated, changed, or deleted by the end-users. They remain
on the device.
4. BIOS and UEFI
BIOS (Basic Input/output System) or the new UEFI (Unified Extended Firmware Software) gets
the computer system started when we turn it on. BIOS also manage the flow of information
between operating systems and the attached devices.
5. Programming Language Translator
These are the intermediate system software through which programmers convert the high-level
language programming code to machine-level language code. Assembler, Interpreter, and
Compiler are the popular language translators. They are usually designed by the computer
manufacturer and are deliver inbuilt with the system.
6. Utilities
Utilities are the type of system software that is present between user and application software.
These are the programs designed to configure, analyze, optimize and maintain tasks of the
computer. Their task varies from disk fragmentation to data security.
Programming Software
Programming software is software which helps the programmer in developing other software.
Compilers, assemblers, debuggers, interpreters etc. are examples of programming software.
Integrated development environments (IDEs) are combinations of all these software.
Programming software is also known as programming tool or software development tool.