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FC0-U71 Practice Question: Which TWO of the following are types of system…
Which TWO of the following are types of system software? (Select two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
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.
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
✓
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.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Database management system
Why it's wrong here
A database management system is application software, installed to let users and programs store and query data; it relies on the operating system for memory, storage and process scheduling. It is tempting because DBMSs are large, low-level-looking infrastructure, but system software means the OS, drivers, firmware and utilities.
- ✓
Operating system
Why this is correct
An operating system is system software: it manages hardware, memory, processes and file systems, providing the platform on which application software runs. This satisfies the question's system-software category, distinguishing it from application software such as browsers or word processors.
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Web browser
Why it's wrong here
A web browser is application software: it runs on top of the operating system to serve user tasks, and does not manage hardware, memory or files. It is tempting because browsers ship preinstalled with the OS, yet system software comprises the OS itself, device drivers, firmware and utilities.
- ✓
Device driver
Why this is correct
Device drivers are system software: privileged code that translates operating system calls into hardware-specific commands, bridging the OS kernel and peripherals. Unlike application software, drivers run at kernel or ring level and load at boot, so they satisfy the stem's requirement for system software types.
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Word processor
Why it's wrong here
A word processor is application software, executing on top of the operating system to produce documents for end users. It is tempting because it often comes bundled with the OS, but system software is the OS, device drivers, firmware and utilities that manage hardware and provide the platform.
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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.