CHARACTERISTICS OF SYSTEM SOFTWARE
System software serves as a crucial intermediary between hardware and
application software. Its characteristics include:
Resource management: Resource management in system software refers to
the Efficient allocation and utilization of the Computer resources such as
CPU, DISK SPACE INPUT/OUTPUT.
Key components are memory management, processor management, CPU
scheduling, disk space management, input output management.
Memory management:
The main goal of memory management is to allocate and release memory f
or different activities. Virtual memory increases capacity by using disk space
in addition to RAM.
Processor management:
Tasks related to processor management include context switching impleme
ntation for seamless multitasking and process scheduling for efficient CPU u
se.
CPU SCHEDULING: the system software is responsible for scheduling task
and managing the execution of multitasking programs on CPU it decides
which process get access to the CPU and for how long ensuring fair
allocation of CPU time among different task disk.
SPACE MANAGEMENT: system software manages the allocation and
organization of disk space. It tracks the available space on disk , manage file
storage and handle file system.
SPACE MANAGEMENT: system software manages the allocation and
organization of disk space. It tracks the available space on disk , manage file
storage and handle file system.
OUTPUT/INPUT MANAGEMENT: system software handles the management
of input output such as keyboard mice printer etc. it provides the necessary
drivers and protocol to enable communication between operating system
and device
HARDWARE ABSTRACTION: In system software, hardware abstraction is the
process of separating application software from the complex internal
workings of hardware components. In order to create a more efficient and
uniform surface it is important. Software writers can design code that
interacts with a consistent set of functions, independent of the particular
hardware implementation, thanks to this abstraction.
USER INTERFACE: system software often use user interface to interact with
the computer system. This can be in the form of command line interface
where user enters command to perform task.
DEVICE MANAGEMENT: Software system uses device drivers that facilitate
the communication between operating system and hardware device. These
device drivers enables the installation, configuration and operation of
various hardware components such as printer, scanners , network adapters
and more.
SECURITY: system software incorporates security features to protect the
computer system from unauthorized access and other threats.
FILE MANAGEMENT: system software is responsible for organizing and
managing files on storage devices, including file creation, deletion, and
manipulation, as well as maintaining file system integrity.
ERROR HANDLING: System software includes mechanisms for detecting
and handling errors, preventing system crashes and providing informative
error messages to users and application software.
