2 (a) @ Explain the term system software. (ii) State four types of system software. (6 marks)Oct/Nov. 2022

a) System software refers to a type of software that controls and manages the underlying hardware of a computer system. It provides an interface between the hardware and the application software (programs that are used by users to perform specific tasks) and enables the system to function properly. It is responsible for managing the computer’s memory, processing power, and input/output operations. It also includes the operating system, which is the most important type of system software.

(ii) Four types of system software are:

1. Operating systems: The most important type of system software, the operating system (OS) is responsible for managing the computer’s hardware resources and providing a platform for other software to run on. Examples include Windows, macOS, and Linux.
2. Device drivers: These are specialized programs that control specific hardware devices, such as printers, keyboards, and video cards. They act as a bridge between the operating system and the hardware, allowing the operating system to communicate with the device.
3. Utility software: These are programs that perform specific maintenance or optimization tasks on a computer system. Examples include disk defragmenters, antivirus software, and backup utilities.
4. Firmware: It is a type of software that is embedded into a device’s hardware and controls its basic functions. It is a low-level software that is responsible for device-specific operations. Firmware can be found in devices like routers, modems, and BIOS of computers.