System Software

System software is computer software designed to operate and control the computer hardware and to provide a platform for running application software. System software can be separated into two different categories, operating systems and utility software.

• The operating system (prominent examples being Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Chrome OS, and Linux), allows the parts of a computer to work together by performing tasks like transferring data between memory and disks or rendering output onto a display device. It also provides a platform to run high-level system software and application software.
  • An application programming interface (API) is a connection between computers or between computer programs. It is a type of software interface, offering a service to other pieces of software. A document or standard that describes how to build such a connection or interface is called an API specification.
  • A kernel is the core part of the operating system that defines an API for applications programs (including some system software) and an interface to device drivers.
    • Device drivers such as computer BIOS and device firmware provide basic functionality to operate and control the hardware connected to or built into the computer.
  • A user interface “allows users to interact with a computer.” Since the 1980s, the graphical user interface (GUI) has been perhaps the most common user interface technology. The command-line interface is still a commonly used alternative.
• Utility software helps to analyze, configure, optimize and maintain the computer, such as virus protection.

Application Software

In contrast to system software, software that allows users to do things like create text documents, play games, listen to music, or web browsers to surf the web are called application software. The line where the distinction should be drawn is not always clear. Most operating systems bundle such software. Such software is not considered system software when it can be uninstalled without affecting the functioning of other software.

Exceptions could be web browsers such as Internet Explorer, where Microsoft argued in court that it was system software that could not be uninstalled. Later examples are Chrome OS and Firefox OS where the browser functions as the only user interface and the only way to run programs (and other web browsers cannot be installed in their place), then they can well be argued to be (part of) the operating system and then system software.

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