System software is designed to work with the files and programs that make up the computer's operating system. System files include feature libraries, system services, printer drivers, settings, and configuration files. Programs that are part of the system software include compilers, compilers, file management tools, utilities, and debuggers.
Introduction
Windows system software is installed on the computer when the operating system is installed. You can update the software by running programs such as Windows Update or Software Update for Mac OS X. However, unlike application programs, system software is not intended for the end user and is aimed at professional developers.
Since system software runs at the basic level of the computer, it is called "low level". This functionality generates a user interface and allows the operating system to interact with equipment. It runs in the background.
The concept of system software
System software and application programs are the two main types of interaction between a machine and a person. Unlike open source software, an application program, often called an application, performs a specific function for the user. Examples of similar software solutions:
browsers
Email clients
word processors;
spreadsheets.
System software is designed to run computer hardware and software applications. If we consider a computer system as a multi-level model, open source software is the interface between the hardware and user applications.
What is included in the system software?
According to some definitions, the system software includes system utilities, such as disk defragmenter and system recovery, as well as development tools - compilers and debuggers.
An operating system (OS) is the best known example of system software. The OS manages all other programs on the computer.
System Software Features:
BIOS (basic input / output system) launches a computer system and controls the flow of data between the OS and connected devices, such as a hard disk, video adapter, keyboard, mouse, and printer;
the boot program starts the operating system in the main memory of the computer or random access memory (RAM);
the assembler executes basic computer instructions and converts them into a bit pattern that the computer processor can use to perform its basic operations;
the hardware driver controls a certain type of device that is connected to a computer, for example, a keyboard or mouse, and is also part of the system software;
the driver program converts the more general input / output commands of the operating system into messages that the device type can interpret.
The operating system as the main component of open source software
An operating system (OS) is a program that, after the initial installation, manages all other programs on a computer called applications or application programs. Application software solutions use the operating system, make requests through a specific application program interface (API). In addition, users can interact directly with the operating system through a user interface such as a command line or graphical user interface (GUI).
Operating system features
In a multitasking operating system, several programs can run simultaneously. The OS determines which applications should be executed and in what order, how much time is allocated for each application. The main list of OS functions :
managing shared memory between multiple applications;
processing input and output to connected hardware devices - hard drives, printers, and switched ports;
sending messages to each application or interactive user about the status of the operation and possible errors;
batch job management.
On computers that can provide parallel processing, the operating system can control multitasking processes.
All major computer platforms (hardware and software) include an operating system that is developed with various functions to meet the specific needs of the modern consumer.
Types of OS
Types of desktop operating systems:
Windows is Microsoft's flagship operating system, the de facto standard for home and business computers;
Mac OS is an operating system for personal computers and workstations of Apple Macintosh;
Linux is a Unix-like operating system that has been designed to provide users of personal computers with a free or very cheap alternative (Linux has a reputation as a very efficient and high-speed system).
Windows operating systems have traditionally dominated the market. As of August 2018, Windows has a market share of over 85 percent. Mac OS was just over 6 percent and Linux was over 2 percent.
Mobile OS
Mobile OS allows smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices to run applications and programs. Most popular mobile operating systems:
Apple iOS
Google Android
BlackBerry OS
Windows 10 Mobile
The embedded operating system is intended for use on computers embedded in larger systems such as cars, traffic lights, digital TVs, ATMs, aircraft controls, points of sale (POS), digital cameras, GPS navigation systems, elevators, digital receivers and smart counters.