What is the name given to software that provides the interface between the OS and computer hardware?

This resource will explain how operating systems work, and note the differences between the Microsoft Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems.

What is an operating system?

An operating system is a program that acts as an interface between the computer user and computer hardware, and controls the execution of programs.

The operating system’s job

The operating system (OS) manages all of the software and hardware on the computer. It performs basic tasks such as file, memory and process management, handling input and output, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers.

Most of the time, there are several different computer programs running at the same time, and they all need to access your computer’s central processing unit (CPU), memory and storage. The operating system coordinates all of this to make sure each program gets what it needs.

In the image above the User interfaces with the System & Application software. The System & Application software interfaces with the Operating System. The Operating system interfaces with the Hardware. Each of these interfaces are two way transactions with each sending and receiving data.

Types of operating systems

Operating systems usually come pre-loaded on any computer you buy. Most individuals use the operating system that already comes with their computer however it is possible to upgrade or change the initial operating system to suit your preference.

Different operating systems will work in different ways. They may appear visually different, have different terms for common functions and organise programs in different ways. Do not be alarmed if you find yourself using a computer at university that you are unfamiliar with – a bit of practice and you’ll be well on your way!

There are many operating systems that are available however the three most common operating systems are Microsoft’s Windows, Apple’s macOS and Linux. In the table below, we will outline a few of the key differences between each system.

Pre-loaded Devices

Microsoft Windows is pre-loaded on all computers except Apple products.

Mac OS is the pre-loaded OS on all Apple Mac computers.

Linux is not pre-loaded on many computers, but is free to download.

Customisability

Minimal changes.

Minimal changes.

Highly customisable as it is open source.

Huge collaborative community building a range of applications.

Icon

This is the Start Menu and is located in the bottom left hand corner of the screen it allows you to access your ‘Control Panel’, ‘Computer’, programs, folders and more.

You can also shut down your computer using this menu.

It is located in the top left hand corner of the screen and it is where you can access your ‘System Preferences’, ‘Software Update’, ‘About This Mac’ and more.

You can also shut down your computer using this menu.

These symbols are located in the top left hand corner of the screen and it is where you can access all your computer applications.

Hardware – any physical device or equipment used in or with a computer system (anything you can see and touch).

External hardware

• External hardware devices (peripherals) – any hardware device that is located outside the computer.
• Input device – a piece of hardware device which is used to enter information to a computer for processing.
• Examples: keyboard, mouse, trackpad (or touchpad), touchscreen, joystick, microphone, light pen, webcam, speech input, etc.
  
  
• Output device – a piece of hardware device that receives information from a computer.
• Examples: monitor, printer, scanner, speaker, display screen (tablet, smartphone …), projector, head phone, etc.

Internal hardware

• Internal hardware devices (or internal hardware components) – any piece of hardware device that is located inside the computer.
• Examples: CPU, hard disk drive, ROM, RAM, etc.

Computer software

• Software – a set of instructions or programs that tells a computer what to do or how to perform a specific task (computer software runs on hardware).
• Main types of software – systems software and application software.

Application software

• Application software – a computer program that provides users with tools to accomplish a specific task.
• Examples of application software: word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, database management, Internet browsers, email programs, media players, accounting, pronunciation, translation, desktop publishing, enterprise, etc.

System software – it is designed to run a computer’s hardware and application software, and make the computer system available for use. It serves as the interface between hardware, application software, and the user.

• Main functions of system software – allocating system resources, managing storage space, storing and retrieval of files, providing security, etc.
• Main types of systems software – operating system, device driver, utility software, programming software, etc.

Operating system (OS) – a software that controls and coordinates the computer hardware devices and runs other software and applications on a computer. It is the main part of system software and a computer will not function without it.

• Main functions of an operating system – booting the computer, managing system resources (CPU, memory, storage devices, printer, etc.), managing files, handling input and output, executing and providing services for application software, etc.
• Examples of operating system: Microsoft Windows, Apple iOS, Android OS, macOS, Linux, etc.

Device driver – a software program that is designed to control a particular hardware device that is attached to a computer.

• The main purpose of device driver – it acts as a translator between the hardware device and operating systems or applications that use it.
• It instructs computer on how to communicate with the device by translating the operating system’s instructions into a language that a device can understand in order to perform the necessary task.
• Examples of device driver: printer driver, display driver, USB driver, sound card driver, motherboard driver, ROM driver, etc.

Utility software – a type of system software that helps set up, analyze, configure, strengthen, maintain a computer and performs a very specific task (e.g. antivirus software, backup software, memory tester, screen saver, etc.).

What is the interface between OS and hardware?

What software that provides an interface between the hardware and other software?

What is the name given to the interface software between the operating system and the peripheral devices?

What provides an interface between the operating system and its processes?