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systems program

systems program

4.7
A program that manages a computer's parts and basic functions like an operating system
  • noun
  • /ˈsɪstəmz ˈprɒɡræm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : programa de sistema
  • The operating system is a type of systems program that manages hardware resources.

Examples

  • Compilers are one example of a systems program that translates code into machine language.

  • Installing a new systems program often requires administrator privileges.

  • Compilers are one example of a systems program essential for software development.

  • A systems program is essential for managing hardware resources.

  • The systems program helps in optimizing performance.

  • The operating system is a type of systems program that manages hardware resources efficiently.

  • Installing a new systems program often requires administrator privileges to ensure proper configuration.

Synonyms

program
vssystems program
  • Specialized
3.1

A set of written instructions a computer follows to do a task

is the narrower kind that manages computer functions rather than general tasks
operating system
vssystems program
  • Specialized
119 3.4

Software that controls a computer and lets other programs run

is broader and includes compilers and utility programs as well
OS
vssystems program
  • Specialized
82 3.4

Software that controls a computer and lets programs run

is the full term and covers a wider class of managing programs
computer program
vssystems program
  • Specialized
32 2.3

A set of instructions that tells a computer what to do

is the subset that specifically controls system operations rather than any task
software program
vssystems program
  • Specialized
12 2.7

A set of written instructions that tells a computer what to do

focuses on programs that manage operation rather than documentation or rules
systems software
vssystems program
  • Specialized
2 3.6

Programs that control a computer's parts and basic functions like the operating system

is focused on individual programs rather than the general software category
system program
vssystems program
  • Specialized
3.4

A computer program that controls a computer's main parts, like an operating system

is the plural label referring to this class of managing programs

How Fundamental

operating system
  • Specialized
119 3.4
systems program
  • Specialized
4.7
utility program
  • Specialized
1 3.8
application program
  • Specialized
1 3.2

Surface Forms

Morphology

system + program

The meaning is directly compositional: 'systems' (collections of interacting components) + 'program' (coded instructions) yields a program that manages or controls systems. This follows a standard noun–noun modification pattern and, despite being technical, is predictable for a B1 learner who knows both constituents.

Etymology

Systems program comes from the idea of a program that looks after the whole system, like a manager watching many machines. That's why it means software that 'manages' or 'controls' a computer's work.