Set of one or more programs which controls the operation and/or extends the processing capability of a computer system is :

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is (1):
System Software is the foundational category of programs explicitly designed to manage and control the computer's core operations, hardware, and resources, while simultaneously providing a platform for other programs to run. This category includes the Operating System (OS), which acts as the chief controller, managing memory, CPU time, and input/output devices. It also encompasses utility programs (like file managers and virus scanners) and language translators that inherently extend the overall processing capability of the system. Therefore, the description "Set of one or more programs which controls the operation and/or extends the processing capability" precisely defines the function of System Software in a computer architecture.

The incorrect option is (2):
Application Software, in contrast to system software, is designed to perform specific, non-essential tasks directly for the end-user. Examples include web browsers, word processors (like Microsoft Word), and video games. Application software is dependent upon the System Software (specifically the OS) to function, as it does not have the capability to directly manage the computer's hardware or control its fundamental operations. Its purpose is to solve a user's problem or provide a service, not to control the computer itself.

The incorrect option is (3):
System Application is not a universally recognized or correct technical term in the standard classification of software. The terms "System Software" and "Application Software" are the two primary and distinct categories. Using the combined phrase "System Application" creates confusion and lacks the necessary precision for a computer science context, making it an ambiguous and technically inaccurate choice.

The incorrect option is (4):
System Hardware refers to the physical, tangible components of the computer system, which include the Central Processing Unit (CPU), Random Access Memory (RAM), storage devices, and peripherals. Hardware is the machine that *executes* the instructions. Since the question clearly defines the subject as a "Set of one or more programs," which are non-physical instructions, System Hardware is disqualified as it is a physical entity, not a collection of software programs.