Which type of software acts as an intermediary between hardware and applications?

System software like Windows or macOS sits between hardware and applications. It manages computer resources and lets apps run without directly controlling hardware. The operating system is the main type of system software.

Application software includes programs like Word or Chrome that you use directly. Middleware connects different applications together. Firmware lives permanently on hardware chips.

System software handles the background work so applications can focus on their jobs. It’s the foundation that everything else builds on.