system software

system software

1. operating system

   • kernel
     • data security
     • memory managment
     • file managment
   • user interface
     • menu interface
       • Menu-based interfaces give users a list of possible actions that the system can carry out.
       • Menu-based interfaces are useful when a computer is intended to only handle a small number of tasks.
     • command line interface
       • A Command Line Interface allows the user to interact directly with the computer system by typing in commands into a screen.
     • graphical user interface
       • It is a very 'friendly' way for people to interact with the computer because it makes use of pictures, graphics and icons - hence why it is called 'graphical'.
   • memory managment
     • Every computer has a limited amount of memory. And so, like any limited resource, memory needs to be managed. The part of the operating system responsible for this is called the memory manager. It is part of the kernel.
   • multi-tasking OS
     • A multi-tasking operating system allows more than one program to run at the same time - or at least they appear to run together as far as the user is concerned.
   • device drivers
     • Device drivers are a core part of the operating system. They help hardware connected to the computer communicate with the computer's software and with the user.
   • user managment
     • The operating system creates a private desktop and a set of folders that only they can access once they are logged in.
     • A person can also tell the operating system if any of their files or folders are to be made available to other users should they log in.

2. utility software