What is software? / System software in detail.

Kotahi

 As, you know computer cannot do anything without instructions from the user. In order to do any specify job you have to give a sequence of instruction to the computer. this set of instruction called a computer program. Software refers to the set of computer programs, procedure that describe the program, how they are to be used. we cab say that it is collection of programs, which increase the capabilities of the hardware. Software guides the computer at every step where to start and stop during particular job. There are two types of software: 

1. System Software 
2. Application Software

1. System Software :-

System software is a type of software that provides a platform for other software and hardware to function. It acts as an intermediary between hardware and user applications, managing the hardware and software resources of a computer system. Here are the main types of system software:

1. Operating Systems (OS)

  • Examples: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Unix, Android, iOS
  • Description: The most essential type of system software, an operating system manages hardware resources, provides a user interface, and acts as a platform for running application software.

2. Device Drivers

  • Examples: Printer drivers, Graphics drivers (NVIDIA, AMD), Network drivers
  • Description: Software that allows the operating system to communicate with hardware devices. Drivers provide specific instructions on how to control and manage devices such as printers, displays, or network adapters.

3. Firmware

  • Examples: BIOS/UEFI (Basic Input Output System), Router firmware
  • Description: Low-level software embedded in hardware components, such as motherboards, routers, or embedded systems, to provide control and management over hardware functionality.

4. Utility Software

  • Examples: Antivirus programs, Disk management tools, Backup software, Disk Cleanup tools
  • Description: Software designed to help analyze, configure, optimize, or maintain a computer. It focuses on system management and maintenance tasks.

5. System Management Software

  • Examples: System monitoring tools (Nagios, SolarWinds), Virtual Machine Managers (VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V)
  • Description: Tools that monitor and manage system resources, performance, security, and virtual environments.

6. Shells and Command Line Interfaces (CLI)

  • Examples: Bash (Linux), PowerShell (Windows), Zsh, Command Prompt (CMD)
  • Description: Interfaces that allow users to interact with the operating system and perform tasks by entering commands directly.

7. System Services and Daemons

  • Examples: Windows Services, Linux Daemons (e.g., Apache HTTP Server, MySQL Daemon)
  • Description: Background processes that provide essential services such as network connectivity, printing, system logging, and database management.

8. Virtual Machine Managers (Hypervisors)

  • Examples: VMware Workstation, Oracle VirtualBox, Microsoft Hyper-V, KVM
  • Description: Software that enables the creation and management of virtual machines, allowing multiple operating systems to run on a single physical machine.

9. Boot Loaders

  • Examples: GRUB (GNU GRand Unified Bootloader), LILO (Linux Loader), Windows Boot Manager
  • Description: Software that loads the operating system into the computer's main memory (RAM) during the boot process.

10. Network Operating Systems

  • Examples: Novell NetWare, Windows Server, Unix/Linux server distributions
  • Description: Operating systems specifically designed to manage network resources and provide network services.
Features of System Software are the following : 
• Close to system. 
• Fast in speed. 
• Difficult to design. 
• Difficult to understand. 
• Less interactive.
• Smaller in size. 
• Difficult to manipulate. 
• Generally written in low-level language.

These types of system software work together to ensure a computer system operates efficiently, securely, and in line with user requirements.





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