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FC0-U71 Practice Question: A software developer writes code that interacts…

A software developer writes code that interacts with the operating system to access hardware. Which layer of software is being used?

⚠ Common exam trap

A common mix-up: candidates confuse 'system software' with 'application software' because they think writing code that 'accesses hardware' must be an application, but the key phrase 'interacts with the operating system' points directly to the system software layer.

Answer choices

Why each option matters

Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.

Correct answer & explanation

✓

System software

System software, specifically the operating system kernel, provides the interface between application software and hardware. When a software developer writes code that interacts with the OS to access hardware, they are using system calls (e.g., Windows API, POSIX syscalls) that are part of the system software layer. This layer manages hardware resources and abstracts them for higher-level programs.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

  • ✗

    Application software

    Why it's wrong here

    Application software uses OS APIs but does not directly interact with hardware.

  • ✗

    Firmware

    Why it's wrong here

    Firmware is low-level software stored on hardware.

  • ✓

    System software

    Why this is correct

    System software like the OS manages hardware resources.

  • ✗

    Utility software

    Why it's wrong here

    Utilities are system tools but not the primary layer for hardware access.

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JA

Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security

Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva

This FC0-U71 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the FC0-U71 exam.