What is the primary function of system software?

The primary function of system software is to control hardware and application resources. System software, such as operating systems and utility programs, acts as a bridge between the hardware of a computer and the application software. It manages the hardware components, facilitating the interaction between them and the software applications that users want to run. This includes managing the CPU, memory, disk drives, and input/output devices, ensuring that these resources are allocated effectively so that applications can function properly.

For instance, when you open a program on your computer, it is the system software that allocates the necessary memory and processing resources to that application, manages the data exchange between the software and the hardware, and ensures that the system operates smoothly. By controlling these essential functions, system software provides a stable and efficient environment for applications to execute, ultimately enhancing the user experience.