Systems software versus applications software definitions

[Matt]

How do we define systems programs? when we say systems programming,
does it necessary mean that the programs we write need to interact
with hardware directly? For example, OS, compiler, kernel, drivers,
network protocols, etc...? Couple years ago, yes, I understand this is
definitely true. However, as the software applications become more and
more complicated, some people try to argue that. Some people argue the
definition of systems programs depend on the level of abstractions. I
heard people saying that web server is a systems software, which I
feel confused. I think web server is an application software. Yes,
other applications run on top of web server.

Please advise and discuss. thanks!!

[Dan Koren]

"Matt" <jr********@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:ba**************************@posting.google.c om...

How do we define systems programs? when we say systems programming,
does it necessary mean that the programs we write need to interact
with hardware directly? For example, OS, compiler, kernel, drivers,
network protocols, etc...? Couple years ago, yes, I understand this is
definitely true. However, as the software applications become more and
more complicated, some people try to argue that. Some people argue the
definition of systems programs depend on the level of abstractions. I
heard people saying that web server is a systems software, which I
feel confused. I think web server is an application software. Yes,
other applications run on top of web server.

Please advise and discuss. thanks!!

One of the oldest jokes in this profession:

Q: What is the difference between application
programmers and system programmers?

A: The latter can make other people's programs
crash!

dk

[Richard Bos]

"Maxim S. Shatskih" <ma***@storagecraft.com> wrote:

Kind of off topic, but... IE can be "safely" removed from the OS.

No.

I wouldn't comment either way on the safety of removing any part of MS
Windows (unless you remove all parts at the same time...), but why on
earth was this cross-posted to comp.lang.c? It has nothing to do with
that language. Please be a little more discerning in your crossposts
next time.

Richard

[Keith Thompson]

rl*@hoekstra-uitgeverij.nl (Richard Bos) writes:

"Maxim S. Shatskih" <ma***@storagecraft.com> wrote:

> Kind of off topic, but... IE can be "safely" removed from the OS.

No.

I wouldn't comment either way on the safety of removing any part of MS
Windows (unless you remove all parts at the same time...), but why on
earth was this cross-posted to comp.lang.c? It has nothing to do with
that language. Please be a little more discerning in your crossposts
next time.

According to Google, both of Maxim's messages were cross-posted to
comp.lang.c about 2 years ago. I have no idea why they've shown up
again. Maybe some news server somewhere belched.

--
Keith Thompson (The_Other_Keith) ks***@mib.org <http://www.ghoti.net/~kst>
San Diego Supercomputer Center <*> <http://users.sdsc.edu/~kst>
We must do something. This is something. Therefore, we must do this.

[CBFalconer]

Keith Thompson wrote:

rl*@hoekstra-uitgeverij.nl (Richard Bos) writes:

"Maxim S. Shatskih" <ma***@storagecraft.com> wrote:

Kind of off topic, but... IE can be "safely" removed from the OS.

No.

I wouldn't comment either way on the safety of removing any part of MS
Windows (unless you remove all parts at the same time...), but why on
earth was this cross-posted to comp.lang.c? It has nothing to do with
that language. Please be a little more discerning in your crossposts
next time.

According to Google, both of Maxim's messages were cross-posted to
comp.lang.c about 2 years ago. I have no idea why they've shown up
again. Maybe some news server somewhere belched.

Nothing prior to Richard Bos' article ever appeared here, so the
glitch was quite local.

--
"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we.
They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country
and our people, and neither do we." -- G. W. Bush.
"The people can always be brought to the bidding of the
leaders. All you have to do is tell them they are being
attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism
and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way
in any country." --Hermann Goering.

[Keith Thompson]

CBFalconer <cb********@yahoo.com> writes:

Keith Thompson wrote:

rl*@hoekstra-uitgeverij.nl (Richard Bos) writes:

"Maxim S. Shatskih" <ma***@storagecraft.com> wrote:

> Kind of off topic, but... IE can be "safely" removed from the OS.

No.

I wouldn't comment either way on the safety of removing any part of MS
Windows (unless you remove all parts at the same time...), but why on
earth was this cross-posted to comp.lang.c? It has nothing to do with
that language. Please be a little more discerning in your crossposts
next time.

According to Google, both of Maxim's messages were cross-posted to
comp.lang.c about 2 years ago. I have no idea why they've shown up
again. Maybe some news server somewhere belched.

Nothing prior to Richard Bos' article ever appeared here, so the
glitch was quite local.

Richard and I, who are on opposite sides of the planet, both saw two
articles by Maxim S. Shatskih. It's not local, but apparently it's
not universal either. I have no idea what happened, and I don't care
enough to try to track it down.

--
Keith Thompson (The_Other_Keith) ks***@mib.org <http://www.ghoti.net/~kst>
San Diego Supercomputer Center <*> <http://users.sdsc.edu/~kst>
We must do something. This is something. Therefore, we must do this.