System Software: - SS1 ICT Lesson Note

System software is responsible for managing and controlling the computer's hardware components and providing a platform for other software applications to run. It includes several components that work together to ensure the efficient operation of the computer. It includes the operating system (OS), device drivers, utility programs, and system libraries.

The operating system is a critical part of system software that acts as an intermediary between the hardware and the user applications. 

Source:(mygreatlearning.com)

The operating system is a core component that manages hardware resources, provides a user interface, and facilitates communication between hardware and software. Examples of operating systems include Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.

Key components and functions of system software:

1. Operating System (OS): The operating system is the core component of system software. It acts as an intermediary between users, application software, and hardware. The OS manages hardware resources, provides user interfaces, controls system processes, and enables multitasking, memory management, file management, and security features. Common operating systems include Windows, macOS, Linux, and various Unix-based systems.
2. Device Drivers: Device drivers are software modules that facilitate communication between the operating system and hardware devices such as printers, graphics cards, and network adapters. They ensure that the OS can properly manage and control hardware components.
3. Firmware: Firmware is software that is permanently stored in hardware devices, such as BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) in a computer's motherboard or firmware in printers and routers. It provides low-level control and initialization instructions for hardware components.
4. Bootloader: The bootloader is a program that starts the computer's operating system when the system is powered on. It manages the boot process, loading the OS into memory and initializing the system.
5. Utility Software: Utility software includes tools that help manage and optimize system performance, such as disk defragmentation, system cleanup, backup and recovery, antivirus software, firewall protection, and more.
6. Language Translators: Language translators, including compilers and interpreters, are essential for translating high-level programming languages (such as C++, Java) into machine code that the computer's processor can execute.
7. Virtualization Software: Virtualization software enables the creation and management of virtual machines, allowing multiple operating systems to run on a single physical machine. It's widely used for server consolidation, development, and testing purposes.
8. System Libraries: System libraries are pre-compiled collections of code that provide various functions and routines to applications. These libraries save developers time by offering standardized code for common tasks.
9. Middleware: Middleware acts as a bridge between application software and the operating system. It provides services for distributed computing, communication between different software components, and integration of different software systems.