Is an operating system classified as system software or application software?

An operating system is classified as system software because it serves as the foundational layer of software that manages computer hardware and provides essential services for application software. System software enables basic functions such as managing resources, facilitating communication between hardware components, and providing a user interface for operating the computer.

In contrast, application software is designed to perform specific tasks for users, such as word processing, web browsing, or spreadsheet calculations. While utility software may enhance or manage the system's performance or functionality, it is still considered a subset of system software, focused on maintenance tasks rather than core system functions. Firmware, on the other hand, refers to a specific type of low-level software used to control hardware devices, typically embedded into the hardware itself. Therefore, classifying an operating system as system software accurately reflects its role in computing environments.