Information Technology IT – 2 Hardware and software | e-Consult

System software plays a vital role in managing the computer's resources – including the CPU, memory, storage, and peripherals – ensuring that these resources are used efficiently and effectively by both the operating system and application programs. Without system software, these resources would be poorly coordinated, leading to system instability and inefficient operation.

Here are three specific examples of how system software allocates and manages resources:

• CPU Scheduling: The OS uses CPU scheduling algorithms to determine which processes get to use the CPU and for how long. This prevents one process from monopolizing the CPU and ensures that all processes receive a fair share of processing time. Examples include First-Come, First-Served (FCFS), Shortest Job First (SJF), and Round Robin.
• Memory Management: The OS manages the computer's memory (RAM) by allocating memory to processes, preventing processes from interfering with each other's memory, and using techniques like virtual memory to extend the available memory. This involves allocating memory blocks, handling memory protection, and swapping data between RAM and the hard disk.
• File System Management: The OS manages the storage of files on the hard disk or other storage devices. This includes organizing files into directories, allocating disk space, and providing mechanisms for accessing and manipulating files. The file system ensures data integrity and efficient storage utilization.