Explain Various Components Of System Software.
Answers
System software is designed to operate the hardware of the computer. It also provides platform for running application software and basic functions for the computer usage. The purpose of system software is to protect the applications programmer from the complexity and specific details of a particular computer being used, especially memory and other hardware features. It consists of the following components:
Device Driver:
This is a computer program that allows higher level computer programs in interacting with the computer hardware. A device driver simplifies programming as it acts as a translator between a hardware device and the applications that use it.
Operating System:
An operating system manages computer hardware, provides services for execution of application software. It consists of programs and data. Examples of operating systems for computers are Linux, Microsoft Windows, OS X, Unix.
Server:
A server is a program that operates as a socket listener in computer networking. A server computer is a computer, or series of computers, that link other computers and they often provide essential services across a network, either to private users inside a large organization or to public users via the internet.
Utility Software:
Utility software is used to manage the computer hardware and application software and performs small tasks. Some of the examples of utility software are systems utilities, virus scanners and disk defragmenters.
Windowing System:
A windowing system supports the implementation of window managers and provides basic support for graphics hardware and pointing devices such as mice, and keyboards. It is a component of graphical user interface.
Application Programs:
Application programs are the top software layer. You can perform specific tasks with these programs, such as using a word processor for writing, a spreadsheet for accounting, or a computer-aided design program for drawing. The other two layers, device drivers and the operating system, play important support roles. Your system might run one application program at a time, or it might run many simultaneously.
Root-User Processes:
Root-user processes are programs that can be run only by a user with root authority. A system administrator has root authority for all processes.
Root-user processes include:
- Read or write any object
- Call any system function
- Perform certain subsystem-control operations
When you are not allowed to run a command, the system displays a message saying you do not have the correct permissions or you are not allowed to run that command. The system administrator may be the only person who can log in as root on your system. The system administrator can also set you up to use particular commands, giving you some control over processes.
Answer:
System software is a generic phrase referring to the computer programs used to start and run computer systems and networks. System software contrasts with application software, programming tools and malware. System software includes: Operating systems. Device drivers.