The system software (e.g., the operating system) and the application software (e.g., a word processor) interact in order to perform tasks.
For example, Microsoft Word is a type of application software. Everything you do within Word is controlled by Microsoft Word. However, when you drag a Word window around the desktop, it is handled by the operating system (in this case, Windows). The word processor (i.e., Microsoft Word) does not need to know where it is located on the screen. Windows takes care of that.
Follow this example of software interaction:
Step 1: When a key (e.g., the letter "a") is pressed on the keyboard, a message is sent to the operating system.
Step 2: The operating system sends the information to the word processor. The word processor places the "a" in the document and performs additional tasks such as formatting, spell-checking, and moving the cursor to the next space or line.
Step 3: The results of Step 2 are communicated to the operating system.
Step 4: The operating system displays the updates at the appropriate places on the screen.
Check Your Knowledge
Choose which type of software (i.e. "system" or "application") perform the following tasks:
Question
1
To save a file: _______________
Incorrect. To save a file is a function of system software. The OS moves a file from RAM (random access memory) to permanent storage (e.g., the hard drive).
Question
2
To send a document to a printer: _______________
Incorrect. The OS system software is in charge of sending a document to a printer.
Question
3
To edit a spreadsheet: _______________
Incorrect. Application software performs the task of editing a spreadsheet (e.g., Excel).
Question
4
To join a wireless network: _______________
Incorrect. System software performs the tasks associated with joining a wireless network.
Question
5
To play solitaire: _______________
Incorrect. Playing solitaire is performed by the application software created to play a card game.
Question
6
To create a presentation: _______________
Incorrect. Creating presentations is performed by application software such as Microsoft PowerPoint.
Question
7
To change a screen saver: _______________
Incorrect. The tasks associated with changing a screen saver are system tasks associated with the OS.
Question
8
To browse the internet: _______________
Incorrect. Application software such as Firefox or Chrome allow us to browse the internet.
Question
9
Which of the following shows an interaction among the four elements in the correct order of execution?
user – Windows – MS Word processor – printer
user – MS Word processor – Windows – printer
printer – MS Word processor – Windows – user
MS Word processor – printer – Windows - user