System Software – GeeksforGeeks

INTRODUCTION:

System software refers to the low-level software that manages and controls a computer’s hardware and provides basic services to higher-level software. Examples of system software include:

• Operating systems (OS): Windows, Linux, macOS, etc.
• Device drivers: software that enables the communication between hardware and OS.
• Firmware: pre-installed low-level software that controls a device’s basic functions.
• Utility software: tools for system maintenance and optimization.
• Boot loaders: software that initializes the OS during startup.

There are two main types of software: systems software and application software. Systems software includes the programs that are dedicated to managing the computer itself, such as the operating system, file management utilities, and disk operating system (or DOS). 

System software is software that provides a platform for other software. Some examples can be operating systems, antivirus software, disk formatting software, Computer language translators, etc. These are commonly prepared by computer manufacturers. This software consists of programs written in low-level languages, used to interact with the hardware at a very basic level. System software serves as the interface between the hardware and the end users. 

The most important features of system software include : 
1. Closeness to the system 
2. Fast speed 
3. Difficult to manipulate 
4. Written in a low-level language 
5. Difficult to design 
 

Operating System

An operating system (OS) is a type of system software that manages a computer’s hardware and software resources. It provides common services for computer programs. An OS acts as a link between the software and the hardware. It controls and keeps a record of the execution of all other programs that are present in the computer, including application programs and other system software. 

The most important tasks performed by the operating system are 

1. Memory Management: The OS keeps track of the primary memory and allocates the memory when a process requests it. 
2. Processor Management: Allocates the main memory (RAM) to a process and de-allocates it when it is no longer required. 
3. File Management: Allocates and de-allocates the resources and decides who gets the resources. 
4. Security: Prevents unauthorized access to programs and data using passwords. 
5. Error-detecting Aids: Production of dumps, traces, error messages, and other debugging and error-detecting methods. 
6. Scheduling: The OS schedules the process through its scheduling algorithms. 

Compiler: A compiler is a software that translates the code written in one language to some other language without changing the meaning of the program. The compiler is also said to make the target code efficient and optimized in terms of time and space. 

A compiler performs almost all of the following operations during compilation: preprocessing, lexical analysis, parsing, semantic analysis (syntax-directed translation), conversion of input programs to an intermediate representation, code optimization, and code generation. Examples of compilers may include gcc(C compiler), g++ (C++ Compiler ), javac (Java Compiler), etc. 

Interpreter: An interpreter is a computer program that directly executes, i.e. it performs instructions written in a programming or scripting language. Interpreters do not require the program to be previously compiled into a machine language program. An interpreter translates high-level instructions into an intermediate form, which is then executed. 

Interpreters are fast as it does not need to go through the compilation stage during which machine instructions are generated. The interpreter continuously translates the program until the first error is met. If an error comes it stops executing. Hence debugging is easy. Examples may include Ruby, Python, PHP, etc. 

Assembler: An assembler is a program that converts the assembly language into machine code. It takes the basic commands and operations and converts them into binary code specific to a type of processor. 

Assemblers produce executable code that is similar to compilers. However, assemblers are more simplistic since they only convert low-level code (assembly language) to machine code. Since each assembly language is designed for a specific processor, assembling a program is performed using a simple one-to-one mapping from assembly code to machine code. On the other hand, compilers must convert generic high-level source code into machine code for a specific processor. 

ADVANTAGES OF SYSTEM SOFTWARE:

1. Resource management: System software manages and allocates resources such as memory, CPU, and input/output devices to different programs.
2. Improved performance: System software optimizes the performance of the computer and reduces the workload on the user.
3. Security: System software provides security features such as firewalls, anti-virus protection, and access controls to protect the computer from malicious attacks.
4. Compatibility: System software ensures compatibility between different hardware and software components, making it easier for users to work with a wide range of devices and software.
5. Ease of use: System software provides a user-friendly interface and graphical environment, making it easier for users to interact with and control the computer.
6. Reliability: System software helps ensure the stability and reliability of the computer, reducing the risk of crashes and malfunctions.
7. Increased functionality: System software provides a range of tools and utilities for performing various tasks, increasing the functionality and versatility of the computer.

DISADVANTAGES OF SYSTEM SOFTWARE:

1. Complexity: System software can be complex and difficult to understand, especially for non-technical users.
2. Cost: Some system software, such as operating systems and security software, can be expensive.
3. System Overhead: The use of system software can result in increased system overhead, which can slow down the performance of the computer and reduce its efficiency.
4. Vulnerability: System software, especially the operating system, can be vulnerable to security threats and viruses, which can compromise the security and stability of the computer.
5. Upgrades: Upgrading to a newer version of system software can be time-consuming and may cause compatibility issues with existing software and hardware.
6. Limited Customizability: Some system software may have limited options for customization, making it difficult for users to personalize their computing experience.
7. Dependency: Other software programs and devices may depend on the system software, making it difficult to replace or upgrade without disrupting other systems.

   Related Article: Compiler vs Interpreter
    

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