System Software Flashcards
What is an OS?
It is the software running in the background/back end of the computer system. Basically it is the link between the low level I.e: basic hardware management and high level processes I.e: the software running on the computer system.
What is a compiler?
Compiler is a system application which translates/converts programs written in high level languages I.e: Python, C++, into machine code I.e:binary so that the code can be used by the computer to perform the required task. The original code/high level language code is known as the source code and the code after compilation is called object code.
What is a linker?
It is the program which allows the user to combine one or more object code files (produced by the compiler) into one single program.
What is a device driver?
These are the software which allow the hardware to communicate with the operating system. Without the driver the computer system can’t understand what to do with the input/output of the attached device.
What is a utility software?
These are software which carry out specific tasks (mostly system based tasks) on a computer. They manage, maintain and control computer resources. E.g.: Anti-virus, File backup, File Management, Hardware logging
