Quick Answer
The answer is device driver and operating system. These are the two types of system software because system software is designed to manage and control computer hardware, providing a platform for application software to run. The operating system acts as the core system software, handling resource allocation, file management, and user interface, while device drivers are specialized system software that enable the operating system to communicate with specific hardware components like printers or graphics cards. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish system software from application software; a common trap is confusing utility programs or firmware with system software, but remember that system software directly controls hardware and provides essential services. A helpful memory tip is to think of system software as the “bridge” between hardware and applications—without it, the computer cannot function.
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of it concepts and terminology. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which TWO of the following are types of system software? (Select two.)
Database management system
Why wrong: A DBMS is application software.
Operating system
An OS manages hardware and software resources.
Web browser
Why wrong: A web browser is an application.
Device driver
Device drivers enable the OS to communicate with hardware.
Word processor
Why wrong: A word processor is an application.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Operating system
The operating system (B) is the core system software that manages hardware resources, provides services for application programs, and acts as an intermediary between the user and the computer hardware. Device drivers (D) are system software that allow the operating system to communicate with and control specific hardware devices, such as a graphics card or network adapter.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Database management system
Why it's wrong here
A DBMS is application software.
Operating system
Why this is correct
An OS manages hardware and software resources.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Web browser
Why it's wrong here
A web browser is an application.
Device driver
Why this is correct
Device drivers enable the OS to communicate with hardware.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Word processor
Why it's wrong here
A word processor is an application.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse application software (like a DBMS or web browser) with system software because they are essential for productivity, but the exam specifically tests the distinction that system software manages hardware and provides a platform for applications, not the applications themselves.
Detailed technical explanation
System software includes the operating system (e.g., Linux kernel, Windows NT) and device drivers that operate in kernel mode or privileged rings (e.g., Ring 0 on x86) to directly access hardware. Device drivers communicate with hardware via I/O ports, memory-mapped I/O, or DMA, and are loaded into the OS kernel space, whereas application software runs in user mode (Ring 3) and must use system calls (e.g., syscalls on Linux, Win32 API on Windows) to request services.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the FC0-U61 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
IT Concepts and Terminology — This question tests IT Concepts and Terminology — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Operating system — The operating system (B) is the core system software that manages hardware resources, provides services for application programs, and acts as an intermediary between the user and the computer hardware. Device drivers (D) are system software that allow the operating system to communicate with and control specific hardware devices, such as a graphics card or network adapter.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This FC0-U61 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-U61 exam.
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