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    COMPUTER SOFTWARE

                     Software is a set of instructions that makes the computer perform tasks. Software is another term
                     for a computer program. It controls the computer and makes it do useful work. Without software
                     a computer is useless.
                     Software can be classified into two broad categories: system software and application software.

                          System Software

                     It is the most important  software to  operate                       System Software
                     a computer. It acts  as a mediator  between
                     the computer and the user to run operations.
                     System  software  can be  classified  into  three    Operating                               Utility
                     categories:  Operating  System and  Utility           System                                Software
                     Software.

                     Operating System
                     An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the

                     computer’s memory, processes data and controls all its software as well as hardware. It serves
                     as an interface between the user and the hardware. Without an operating system, a computer is
                     useless.
                     Types of operating systems: Operating systems usually come preloaded on any computer you
                     buy. Most people use the operating system that comes with their computer, but it is possible to

                     upgrade or even change the preloaded operating system.
                     The three most common operating systems for personal computers are Microsoft Windows,
                     macOS and Linux. Other known names are iMac, UNIX and DOS.

                     Functions of an Operating System

                     An operating system performs three types of functions:
                       Manages computer resources

                          Coordinates memory and processing storage
                                                                                           Tech Fact
                          Controls all the computer resources.
                                                                                  Booting is a process that loads
                          Monitors systems performance                               the operating system and

                          Provides security                                        prepares the system for use.
                          Starts-up the computer

                                                              Computer System Organization - Hardware, Software & Memory  41

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