What is system software?

Hardware and software, system and application software, how an operating system manages the processor, memory, devices, applications and security, and utility programs such as backup.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Define the term hardware.

Key term

Define the term software.

Key term

What is the relationship between hardware and software?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
Define the term hardware.
Model answer
Hardware is the physical parts of a computer system that can be touched. Examples include the CPU, a keyboard and a hard disk drive.
2
Define the term software.
Model answer
Software is the programs that run on a computer system. Software is made up of instructions that tell the hardware what to do.
3
What is the relationship between hardware and software?
Model answer
Hardware needs software to tell it what to do. Software needs hardware to run on, so neither is useful without the other.
4
What is system software?
Model answer
System software controls the hardware and looks after the computer's resources. Application software runs on top of the system software.
5
What is application software?
Model answer
Application software is software that lets the user carry out a task. Examples include word processors, web browsers and games.
6
Give two examples of system software.
Model answer
An operating system such as Windows is one example of system software. A utility program such as backup software is also system software.

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