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A kernel is the core part of the operating system that defines an application programming interface for applications programs (including some system software) and an interface to device drivers. Device drivers and firmware , including computer BIOS or UEFI , provide basic functionality to operate and control the hardware connected to or built ...
System software is a generic phrase referring to the computer programs used to start and run computer systems and networks. System software contrasts with application software, programming tools and malware. System software includes: Operating systems; Device drivers; Middleware; Utility software; Shells and windowing systems
A software system is a system of intercommunicating components based on software forming part of a computer system (a combination of hardware and software). It "consists of a number of separate programs, configuration files, which are used to set up these programs, system documentation, which describes the structure of the system, and user documentation, which explains how to use the system".
An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources, and provides common services for computer programs. Time-sharing operating systems schedule tasks for efficient use of the system and may also include accounting software for cost allocation of processor time , mass storage , peripherals, and ...
Systems programming, or system programming, is the activity of programming [1] computer system software.The primary distinguishing characteristic of systems programming when compared to application programming is that application programming aims to produce software which provides services to the user directly (e.g. word processor), whereas systems programming aims to produce software and ...
Software architecture is the set of structures needed to reason about a software system and the discipline of creating such structures and systems. Each structure comprises software elements, relations among them, and properties of both elements and relations. [1] [2] The architecture of a software system is a metaphor, analogous to the ...
A utility program is designed to aid system administration and software execution. Operating systems execute hardware utility programs to check the status of disk drives, memory, speakers, and printers. [140] A utility program may optimize the placement of a file on a crowded disk. System utility programs monitor hardware and network performance.
Software design is the process of conceptualizing how a software system will work before it is implemented or modified. [1] Software design also refers to the direct result of the design process – the concepts of how the software will work which consists of both design documentation and undocumented concepts.