1. Unit R005: Understanding Computer Systems Introduction System Software Software (i.e., programs) used to control the hardware directly Used to run the applications software Components of Systems Software Applications software is software that is capable of doing a specific job Examples include word processing software, spreadsheet software, DTP software etc. Operating system Utility software Drivers

2. Unit R005: Understanding Computer Systems Functions of operating system Manages and controls devices Provides a user interface Hides the complexity of hardware from user Deals with errors Provides interface between applications software and hardware Allows installation of new hardware and software Has utilities for virus scanning, encryption etc Handles the storage of data Maximizes memory use Automatically recognizes new hardware Organizes resources when tasks are being worked on simultaneously

3. Unit R005: Understanding Computer Systems Utility Software Performs the following tasks: – File maintenance (e.g. Disk Clean Up) – File compression (e.g. WinZip) – Installing and uninstalling software – Compacting (defragmenting) files stored on the hard drive – Burning files to CD or DVD

4. Unit R005: Understanding Computer Systems Drivers Software used to supply instructions to the hardware that tell it how to operate with the operating system and applications software This software is supplied with the hardware