What are the 2 types of system software?

What are the 2 Types of System Software?

System software is a type of computer program that enables the hardware in a computer system to function properly. It is also called a “platform” because it is the foundation upon which other programs, such as application software, can be built. System software is responsible for managing and coordinating the operations of the computer’s hardware and software components. This includes the operating system (OS), device drivers, utility software, and firmware.

There are two main types of system software: operating systems and application programming interfaces (APIs). Operating systems are the most important type of system software and are responsible for managing the computer’s resources and providing an interface for users to interact with the system. APIs, on the other hand, are used by developers to write programs that interact with the operating system.

Operating Systems

An operating system (OS) is a type of system software that manages the hardware and software components of a computer system. It is responsible for allocating resources, such as memory and processor time, to programs and controlling input and output operations. An OS also provides a user interface, which allows users to interact with the system. Popular examples of operating systems include Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS, and Linux.

An OS is composed of a kernel and a set of system programs. The kernel is the core of the operating system and is responsible for managing the system’s resources and providing an interface for user programs to interact with the system. System programs, such as device drivers, are responsible for managing the various hardware components of the computer system.

Application Programming Interfaces

An application programming interface (API) is a type of system software that allows programs to interact with the operating system. An API is a set of functions and procedures that allow a developer to write programs that can access the operating system’s services. For example, an API can provide a developer with access to a graphics library, allowing them to create graphical user interfaces (GUIs).

APIs are usually provided by the operating system vendor, but they can also be developed by third-party vendors. APIs are essential for developing software that can take advantage of the features of an operating system, such as its graphical user interface, networking capabilities, and other features.

Conclusion

System software is an essential part of any computer system. It is composed of two main types: operating systems and application programming interfaces (APIs). Operating systems are responsible for managing the computer’s resources and providing an interface for users to interact with the system. APIs are used by developers to write programs that interact with the operating system. Without system software, computers would be unable to function properly.