Which type of software controls the flow of data and manages network operations?

The correct answer is system software, which refers to the software designed to manage and control the hardware components of a computer and facilitate the flow of data between them. System software acts as an intermediary between users and the computer hardware, enabling the effective operation of the system.

This type of software includes operating systems, which are crucial for managing network operations and ensuring that various hardware components, such as routers and switches, can communicate effectively with each other over a network. System software is responsible for resource management, such as memory allocation, process scheduling, and input/output operations, which are essential for the smooth handling of data transmission across networks.

Middleware is another type of software, but it functions more as a bridge between different applications or services, allowing them to communicate. While it plays a role in managing data flow between applications, it is not primarily responsible for controlling hardware or managing network operations at the system level. Application software, on the other hand, is intended for end-users and focuses on specific tasks rather than overall system management. Utility software aids in system maintenance and performance enhancement but does not directly control data flow like system software does.