- Operating System Software Definition
- Utility Software Definition
- System Software Definition Computer
- Operating System Definition
System software is software on a computer that is designed to control and work with computer hardware. The two main types of system software are the operating system and the software installed with the operating system, often called utility software. In some cases, the operating system and utility software depend on each other to function properly.
Some system software is used directly by users and other system software works in the background. System software can allow users to interact directly with hardware functionality, like the Device Manager and many of the utilities found in the Control Panel.
NoteThe operating system is a type of system software kernel that sits between computer hardware and end user. It is installed first on a computer to allow devices and applications to be identified and therefore functional. System software is the first layer of software to be loaded into memory every time a computer is powered up. Application software is a program or group of programs designed for end users. These programs are divided into two classes: system software and application software. While system software consists of low-level programs that interact with computers at a basic level. System software is software designed to provide a platform for other software. Examples of system software include operating systems like macOS, Ubuntu (a Linux distribution ) and Microsoft Windows, computational science software, game engines, industrial automation, and software as a service applications. System Software System software refers to the files and programs that make up your computer's operating system. System files include libraries of functions, system services, drivers for printers and other hardware, system preferences, and other configuration files.
Software that allows users to create documents, browse the Internet, or check e-mail are examples of application software.
Related software pages
Driver, Software, Software terms
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An operating system is a powerful, and usually large, program that controls and manages the hardware and other software on a computer.
All computers and computer-like devices require operating systems, including your laptop, tablet, desktop, smartphone, smartwatch, and router.
Not sure what operating system you're running? Use the Lifewire System Info Tool below to find out!
Examples of Operating Systems
Laptops, tablets, and desktop computers all run operating systems that you've probably heard of. Some examples include versions of Microsoft Windows (like Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP), Apple's macOS (formerly OS X), Chrome OS, BlackBerry Tablet OS, and flavors of the open source operating system Linux.
Your smartphone runs an operating system, too, probably either Apple's iOS or Google's Android. Both are household names but you may not have realized that they are the operating systems running on those devices.
Servers, like those that host the websites you visit or serve the videos you watch, typically run specialized operating systems, designed and optimized to run the special software required to make them do what they do. Some examples include Windows Server, Linux, and FreeBSD.
Software & Operating Systems
Operating System Software Definition
Most software applications are designed to work with just one company's operating system, like just Windows (Microsoft) or just macOS (Apple).
A piece of software will clearly say which operating systems it supports and will get very specific if necessary. For example, a video production software program might say it supports Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7, but does not support older versions of Windows like Windows Vista and XP.
Utility Software Definition
Software developers also often release additional versions of their software that work with other operating systems. Coming back to the video production program example, that company might also release another version of the program with exactly the same features but that only works with macOS.
System Software Definition Computer
It's also important to know whether your operating system is 32-bit or 64-bit. It's a common question you're asked when downloading software. See How to Tell If You Have Windows 64-bit or 32-bit if you need help.
Operating System Definition
Special types of software called virtual machines can actually mimic 'real' computers and run different operating systems from within them. See What Is a Virtual Machine? for more on this feature.