System software, like an operating system (e.g., macOS, Linux, Android, Microsoft Windows), provides a platform for other software, while application software enables users to perform tasks such as creating documents, playing games, or browsing the web. Early application software was custom-built to specific hardware, whereas system software was generally provided by hardware manufacturers. Many operating systems include basic application software that can be uninstalled without affecting core functions. The distinction blurs with software like web browsers deeply integrated into the OS, such as Internet Explorer within Microsoft Windows, or ChromeOS, where the browser acts as the primary interface and program launcher.
Operating systems or system control program
The operating system (prominent examples being Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, and z/OS), 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 provides a platform (hardware abstraction layer) to run high-level system software and application software.
A kernel is the core part of the operating system that defines an application programming interface for applications programs (including some system software) and an interface to device drivers.
Device drivers and firmware, including computer BIOS or UEFI, provide basic functionality to operate and control the hardware connected to or built into the computer.
A user interface interacts with a computer.3 It can either be a command-line interface (CLI) or, since the 1980s, a graphical user interface (GUI). This is the part of the operating system the user directly interacts with; it is considered an application and not system software.
Utility software or system support programs
Some organizations use the term systems programmer to describe a job function that is more accurately termed systems administrator. Software tools these employees use are then called system software. This utility software helps to analyze, configure, optimize and maintain the computer, such as virus protection. The term system software can also include software development tools (like a compiler, linker, or debugger).4
See also
System software of video game consoles
- From Microsoft:
- From Nintendo:
- From Sony:
External links
Wikiversity has learning resources about Introduction to Computers/System software- Sammet, Jean (October 1971). "Brief Survey of Languages Used for Systems Implementation". ACM SIGPLAN Notices. 6 (9): 1–19. doi:10.1145/942596.807055.
References
"Panel: Systems Programming in 2014 and Beyond". Microsoft. Archived from the original on 2014-06-07. Retrieved 4 December 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20140607224814/https://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Lang-NEXT/Lang-NEXT-2014/Panel-Systems-Programming-Languages-in-2014-and-Beyond ↩
Millner, W. W.; Montgomery-Smith, Ann (2022). Information and Communication Technology for Intermediate GNVQ. p. 126. ↩
"Microcomputer Information Technology". Retrieved 2013-09-22. http://home.olemiss.edu/~misbook/sfsysfm.htm ↩
"What is systems software?". Webopedia.com. May 24, 2021 [September 1, 1996]. Retrieved 2022-06-24. http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/systems_software.html ↩