Page 9 - DCAP507_SYSTEM_SOFTWARE

Unit 1: Introduction to System Software

Notes
Figure 1.1: Relation between Hardware, Software and user

The most significant trait in which most system software vary from application software is
machine dependency. An application program is chiefly related with the solution to some
problem, by means of computer as a tool. The concentration is on the application, not on the
application system.

Notes System programs are projected to support the operation and use of the computer
itself, instead of any specific application. They are generally related to the architecture of
the machine on which they are to run.

Task Differentiate between system software and application software.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
1. .................. is defined as software needed to assist the production or implementation of
application programs but which is not particular to any specific application.
2. An .................. program is chiefly related with the clarification of some problem, by means
of the computer as a tool.

3. An .................. is a set of programs that has to be fed to the computer for procedure of
computer system all together.
4. The trait in which system software varies from application software is .................. reliance.

5. System software may be defined as a set of one or more programs intended to manage the
operation of .................. system.

1.2 Machine Structure

1.2.1 Machine Dependency of System Software

An assembler is considered as a system software which converts mnemonic instructions into
machine code; the instruction formats, addressing modes, etc., are of direct relation in assembler
design. Likewise, compilers must produce machine language code, considering such hardware

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