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System Software

The operating system is the most important program that runs on a computer and is essential for running other programs. It performs basic tasks like recognizing keyboard input, sending output to displays, controlling devices, and managing files and directories. The operating system brings the computer hardware to life and allows users to communicate with and give instructions to the computer's CPU through programs. Examples of common operating systems include Windows, Mac OS, Unix, and DOS.

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104 views

System Software

The operating system is the most important program that runs on a computer and is essential for running other programs. It performs basic tasks like recognizing keyboard input, sending output to displays, controlling devices, and managing files and directories. The operating system brings the computer hardware to life and allows users to communicate with and give instructions to the computer's CPU through programs. Examples of common operating systems include Windows, Mac OS, Unix, and DOS.

Uploaded by

vinyogaesh1
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What is System Software?

The operating system and utility programs are the two major categories of
system software. Just as the processor is the nucleus of the computer system, the
operating system is the nucleus of all software activity.

The operating system is the most important program that runs on a computer.
Every general-purpose computer must have an operating system to run other
programs. Operating systems perform basic tasks, such as

• recognizing input from the keyboard


• sending output to the display screen
• keeping track of files and directories on the disk
• controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers.

It is the first program loaded into memory when the computer is turned on and,
in a sense, brings life to the computer hardware. Without it, you cannot use your
word processing software, spreadsheet software, or any other applications.

Without an operating system, you cannot communicate with your computer. When
you give the computer a command, the operating system relays the instructions to
the 'brain' of the computer, called the microprocessor or CPU. You cannot speak
directly to the CPU because it only understands machine language. When you are
working in an application software program, such as Microsoft Word, commands that
you give the application are sent through the operating system to the CPU.
Windows2000, Window95/98, Mac OS, Unix and DOS are all examples of operating
systems.

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