SYSTEM SOFTWARE

System software is a type of computer program that is designed to run a computer's hardware and application
programs. If we think of the computer system as a layered model, the system software is the interface between the
hardware and user applications. The operating system is the best-known example of system software. The OS manages
all the other programs in a computer.

System software is used to manage the computer itself. It runs in the background, maintaining the computer's
basic functions so users can run higher-level application software to perform certain tasks. Essentially, system software
provides a platform for application software to be run on top of.

Important Features of System Software

Computer manufacturers usually develop the system software as an integral part of the computer. The primary
responsibility of this software is to create an interface between the computer hardware they manufacture and the end
user.

System software generally includes the following features:

1. High speed – system software must be as efficient as possible to provide an effective platform for higher-level
software in the computer system.
2. Hard to manipulate – it often requires the use of a programming language, which is more difficult to use than a
more intuitive user interface (UI).
3. Written in a low-level computer language – system software must be written in a computer language the central
processing unit (CPU) and other computer hardware can read.
4. Close to the system – it connects directly to the hardware that enables the computer to run.
5. Versatile – system software must communicate with both the specialized hardware it runs on and the higher-
level application software that is usually hardware-agnostic and often has no direct connection to the hardware
it runs on. System software also must support other programs that depend on it as they evolve and change.

Types of System Software

System software manages the computer's basic functions, including the disk operating system, file management
utility software and operating systems.

Other examples of system software include the following:

 The BIOS (basic input/output system) gets the computer system started after it's turned on and manages the
data flow between the OS and attached devices, such as the hard drive, video adapter, keyboard, mouse and
printer.
 The boot program loads the OS into the computer's main memory or random access memory (RAM).
 An assembler takes basic computer instructions and converts them into a pattern of bits that the computer's
processor can use to perform its basic operations.
 A device driver controls a particular type of device that is attached to your computer, such as a keyboard or
mouse. The driver program converts the more general I/O instructions of the OS to messages that the device
type can understand.

Additionally, system software can also include system utilities, such as the disk defragmenter and System
Restore, and development tools, such as compilers and debuggers.
OPERATING SYSTEM

An operating system (OS) manages all other applications and programs in a computer, and it is loaded into the
computer by a boot program. It enables applications to interact with a computer’s hardware. Through a designated
application programme interface, the application programmes request services from the operating system (API). The
kernel is the software that contains the operating system’s core components. To run other programmes, every computer
has to have at least one operating system installed.

Windows, Linux, and Android are examples of operating systems that enable the user to use programs like MS
Office, Notepad, and games on the computer or mobile phone. It is necessary to have at least one operating system
installed in the computer to run basic programs like browsers.

The core functions of an operating system include:

 Managing hardware resources: An operating system manages resources such as CPU, memory, and disk space,
and assigns these resources to running applications.
 Running applications: An operating system provides an environment in which applications can run and interact
with the user.
 Providing a user interface: An operating system provides a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows users to
interact with the computer.

Examples of popular operating systems include:

o Windows: Microsoft Windows is the most popular desktop operating system, used by over 1 billion users
worldwide. It has a wide range of features and applications, including the Office suite, gaming, and productivity
tools.
o macOS: macOS is the desktop operating system used by Apple Mac computers. It is known for its clean, user-
friendly interface, and is popular among creative professionals.
o Linux: Linux is an open-source operating system that is available for free and can be customized to meet specific
needs. It is used by developers and businesses, as well as individuals who prefer an open-source, customizable
operating system.

History of Operating Systems

 The first computer, Z1, was made in 1936 – 1938. Unfortunately, this computer ran without an operating
system.
 Twenty years later, the first-ever operating system was made in 1956.
 In the 1960s, bell labs started working on building UNIX, the first multitasking operating system.
 In 1977 the apple series came into existence. Apple Dos 3.3 was the first disk operating system.
 In 1981, Microsoft built the first operating system called DOS by purchasing 86 – DOS software from a Seattle
company.
 The most famous Microsoft windows came into existence in 1985 when MS-DOS was paired with GUI, a graphics
environment.

Functions of Operating System

 Processor Management: An operating system manages the processor’s work by allocating various jobs to it and
ensuring that each process receives enough time from the processor to function properly.
 Memory Management: An operating system manages the allocation and deallocation of the memory to various
processes and ensures that the other process does not consume the memory allocated to one process.
 Device Management: There are various input and output devices. An OS controls the working of these input-
output devices. It receives the requests from these devices, performs a specific task, and communicates back to
the requesting process.
  File Management: An operating system keeps track of information regarding the creation, deletion, transfer,
copy, and storage of files in an organized way. It also maintains the integrity of the data stored in these files,
including the file directory structure, by protecting against unauthorized access.
 Security: The operating system provides various techniques which assure the integrity and confidentiality of user
data. Following security measures are used to protect user data:
o Protection against unauthorized access through login.
o Protection against intrusion by keeping Firefall active.
o Protecting the system memory against malicious access.
o Displaying messages related to system vulnerabilities.
 Error Detection: From time to time, the operating system checks the system for any external threat or malicious
software activity. It also checks the hardware for any type of damage. This process displays several alerts to the
user so that the appropriate action can be taken against any damage caused to the system.
 Job Scheduling: In a multitasking OS where multiple programs run simultaneously, the operating system
determines which applications should run in which order and how time should be allocated to each application.

UTILITY PROGRAM

Utility program is a system application that executes a specific task, generally pertaining to optimal maintenance
or operation of the system resources. Operating systems such as Windows, macOS and Linux come with their own set of
utility programs to maintain and execute different utility functions such as formatting, compressing, scanning, exploring
and much more.

In other words Utility-program definition means, Utility programs also assists with the management of computer
functions, resources and files. You can ensure complete password protection and keep your systems virus free using
different utility programs.

What are the Functions of Utility Programs?

 System Utilities
 File Management Utilities
 Storage Device Management Utilities
 Miscellaneous Utilities

Various functions are executed by a utility program to make the system’s operations smoother and more
efficient. Overall, utility programs can be broadly categorized into four parts:

System Utilities

Some of the system utility programs are memory manager, antivirus and firewall, registry checker and cleaner,
package installer and explorer. Also, with the help of such system utility program in computer, users can execute
functions that are crucial for smooth running of an operating system.

File Management Utilities

File management utilities include tools such as data archivers, software backup tools, file compression tools and
managers. With the help of these, users can manage their data in the form of files and folders. These utilities help users
to sort out, store and categorize files according to the requirement.

Storage Device Management Utilities

Storage device management utility programs provide solutions for enhancing disk capacity, such as disk clean-
up, partition management, formatting, disk space allocation, defragmentation, etc. With the help of this system utility
software, users can compartmentalize systems and external drives for efficient management of programs and files that
are stored within.

Miscellaneous Utilities

Apart from these three utility program categories, there are various other programs that help in managing
business operations. Some of these programs include data generators, HTML checkers and hex editors, to name a few.

Advantages of Utility Software

 Efficiently manage your data and files with proper storage

 Remove unnecessary files to ensure that you always have storage space for new applications and programs
 Enhance your system’s security by protecting it from malicious virus threats and attacks
 Easily and quickly locate and access your files and folders in the system with the interface customization feature
of utility software
 Find your lost files and folders with file recovery software and recover any data loss
 Enhance your system’s performance by creating space and efficiently managing system storage

Common Tasks Performed by Utility Programs

 Disk Defragmentation
 Disk Clean-up
 File Management
 Compression
 Disk Management
 Antivirus and Firewall

As discussed earlier, utility applications help in executing some of the most basic yet important functions in the
operating system. Some of these basic yet crucial programs are:

 Disk Defragmentation

Defragmentation is a process which helps reduce the amount of fragmentation in file systems. Utility programs
function by organizing the disk content and storing the pieces of each file together. It also helps create large
amount of free space using compaction to impede the return of fragmentation. This happens when any
operating system is unable to allocate space for storage as single unit.

 Disk Clean-up

With the help of utility program in computer, users can remove the unnecessary files that are taking up the
space in their system. The program assists users to choose the drives, folders or files that need to be scanned
and cleaned-up. By removing unused files, the system will be able to increase the storage space and optimise
the overall speed of the system.

 File Management

With the help of file management program, users can perform various functions related to the files saved in the
system, such as searching, renaming, opening, renaming deleting and grouping. These functions can be executed
with the help of file management program such as Windows Explorer. In addition, Widows also help in keeping a
track of the root and the path of a file.

 Compression

One of the biggest concerns of any computer system is its storage space. With time, the limited storage space in
the hard disk starts getting smaller. Therefore, with the help of compression program such as WinZip and
WinRAR, important yet unused files can be compressed, stored and easily extracted when required.
 Disk Management

Disk Management is one of the most vital programs that an operating system like Windows provides. With the
help of the system utility software and program, users can seamlessly manage various drives such as hard drives,
optical drives, flash drives, etc. It helps users in partitioning drives, allocating spaces, format drives, and much
more.

 Antivirus and Firewall

Antivirus and firewall programs such as Windows Defender help users protect their computers by getting
infected with viruses, adware and malware. Firewalls prevent harmful programs and files from entering the
system via internet or any external hardware. On the other hand, antivirus helps in removing malicious
programs and files that have infected the system.

1. What is utility program and example?

 A utility program is an application that performs tasks related to computer management such as virus
protection, password management, file compression, etc. Antivirus software, compression tools, file
management systems, etc., are some common examples of utility programs.
2. What is a utility program on a computer?
 A utility program on a computer is a software that helps maintain a computer device. Users can optimize,
configure, and analyze their computer functions with a utility program.
3. Is utility program a system software?
 Utility software is one of the types of system software. Utility software focuses on how the hardware,
software, operating system in a computer works.
4. What is the difference between utility software and system software?
 Utility software helps your computers and systems to perform better. On the other hand, system software is
a general-purpose system that provides a path for your application to run.