Operating System in an interface between the user and hardware. The operating system is a complicated set of instructions data which is required to make the computer perform to its optimum level. This software along with certain other software’s can be grouped as system software’s. The system software’s, such as editors, compilers, utilities, Operating system and application software, all forms various layers well integrated within themselves, around the hardware
Operating Systems and Software layers
System Software’s is so-called because it deals with the ‘system’ or hardware directly. Hence these software’s are powerful and efficient. Besides the Operating System software’s comprise of:
1. Assemblers: The hardware, functions only on two levels of pulses, ‘ON’ or ‘OFF’. The processor is designed to execute instructions in binary form only. Coding instructions for the CPU is difficult, because the entire coding is to be done by using a combination of ‘0’ (represents ‘OFF’) and ‘1’ (represents ‘ON’). This is also known as machine code/language. The system programmer codes instructions in assembly language, which is covered to machine code by the assembler.
2. Compilers and Interpreters: For scientific and commercial applications, programs (a set of instructions) using high level languages, such as languages/codes by the concerned compiler or interpreter, which generate executable files (in the case of compilers), or execute each statement one by one (in the case of interpreters).
3. Utilities: Specific jobs such as sorting, merging, setting up databases, crating tabular form of data, word processing etc. can be carried out straight away in the computer without any programming, with the help of certain utilities designed for specific purposes.
4. Debugging Tools: Any error or bugs in the user- prepared source programs can be debugged using debugging tools. Debuggers save time in interpreting and rectifying the errors easily.
5. Editors: Programs and data can be created by using editors. These software’s offer the advantage of storing data in the form of files in permanent storage media, such as tapes or discs. There are various editors- simple and complex, and the type of editor, depends on the Operating System.