A system administrator is analysing the software layers of a corporate computer. Which of the following statements correctly distinguish system software from application software?
I. Device drivers are classified as application software because end-users install them to run devices. II. Linux, macOS, and Android are operating systems and are classified as system software. III. The OS kernel manages CPU scheduling, memory allocation, and hardware access on behalf of programs. IV. A web browser and a word processor are examples of system software because they help users perform common tasks. Identify the CORRECT option.Step-by-step Solution:
Let us differentiate between system and application software based on the statements: - **I. False:** Device drivers manage and translate communications between the OS and hardware devices. Therefore, they are classified as **system software**, not application software. - **II. True:** Operating systems (like Linux, macOS, Android) act as the foundational management layer for all hardware and software. They are the prime examples of system software. - **III. True:** The kernel is the core of an OS (system software). It operates at a low level to perform CPU scheduling, memory allocation, and hardware bridging. - **IV. False:** Web browsers and word processors are intended to help the user perform specific personal or professional tasks. They are classified as **application software**. Therefore, only statements II and III correctly state the facts.