System software
System software is computer software designed to operate and control the computer hardware and to provide a platform for running application software. ▪ The
operating system, 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. ▪ A
kernel is the core part of the operating system that defines an API for applications programs 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. ▪
Utility software helps to analyze, configure, optimize and maintain the computer. ▪ A
user interface "allows users to interact with a computer." Since the 1980s the graphical user interface has been perhaps the most common user interface technology. The command-line interface is still a commonly used alternative. In some publications, the term
system software also includes software development tools.