Software is a collection of instructions, data, or programs that is used to operate a computer system and perform specific tasks. It is considered to be the soft part of a computer system and is different from hardware. In common terms, software tells hardware what to do and how to do it. There are two types of software: system software and application software.
Table of Contents:
What is System Software?
System software is a type of computer program that controls the computer’s hardware and runs the application software. The system software manages and coordinates the operations of the computer. System software provides a platform for application software, mediating between the user applications and the hardware. System software is the foundation that enables the use of the computer as well as the interaction with and use of the computer.
Key Features of System Software
Some key features of system software are
- Interface to Hardware – For application software, an interface is provided by the system software to interact with the computer’s hardware components, like memory, peripherals, and the CPU.
- Resource Management – Essential computer resources are managed by system software, like memory, processors, storage devices, and input/output devices, ensuring that they are used efficiently.
- Operating System – The most prominent example of system software is the operating system (OS). It acts as a platform for running applications.
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What is Application Software?
Application software, which is also known as an application or app, is a computer program designed to help the user by performing specific tasks. Applications focus on helping users accomplish different tasks, basically related to productivity, creativity, or communication.
Key Features of Application Software
Some key features of application software are
- User-Focused – The application software enables users to perform specific tasks, as it is designed for direct interaction with the user.
- Variety – Application software contains a wide range of programs, from simple tools like calculators to complex applications like video editor software.
- Task-Specific – A particular function is handled by each application, like word processing, web browsing, or gaming.
Difference Between System Software and Application Software
| Aspect |
System Software |
Application Software |
| Function |
The system software maintains the system resources and gives way for the application software to run. |
The application software is built for specific tasks, such as creating documents, writing in MS Word, etc. |
| Language Used |
System software is majorly written in low-level language, such as assembly language. This language provides direct access to the hardware to allow efficient memory management and enables faster execution. |
Application software is basically written in a high-level language. This language is used as it provides abstraction from the hardware, due to which the users can focus on solving the problems. |
| Software Type |
System software is foundational or essential software that provides a general platform for other programs to run. |
Application software is specific-purpose software. It is used for performing specific tasks like managing finances, playing games, etc. |
| Complexity |
The system software programming is more complex as related to the application software. |
Application software programming is simple as compared to system software. |
| Execution Trigger |
The system software runs only when the system is on and stops running if the system is turned off. |
The application software runs according to the request of the user. |
| Dependency |
The system software operates independently of the user-driven tasks, but it depends on the hardware. |
The application software depends on the system software, as it needs a set platform for its function. |
| System Dependency |
The computer system stops running without software, as it cannot function. |
The system does not depend on the application software but itself depends on the system software. |
| Example |
For example, Windows, Linux, firmware, and utilities. |
For example, VLC Media player, Microsoft word, firefox, etc. |
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Working of System Software
Some of the workings of the system software are
- Background Operation – The system software runs continuously in the background, providing a platform for other software and also managing the computer’s resources.
- Resource Allocation – The system software enables the allocation of memory, processing power, and other resources that are needed.
- User Interaction – It helps the users with user interfaces like the command line or desktop to interact with the system software.
- Boot Process – The system software initializes the hardware and loads the operating system into memory when the computer is turned on.
Working of Application Software
Some of the workings of the application software are
- Processing – Then the application software processes the instructions and sometimes interacts with the computer’s operating system and hardware to carry out the task.
- User Interaction – A user interface (UI) is provided by the application software, which allows users to interact with the software and input commands.
- Task Definition – A task is initiated by the user through the UI, and the application software translates this task into a series of instructions for the computer.
Types of System Software
- Device Driver – The device driver is a program or software that controls the device to perform its functions. To enable the program to run correctly, we have to install a driver first.
- Operating System – The operating system is the primary part of the computer system. It maintains all the resources, such as the CPU, printer, hard disks, etc. It provides various services to many other computer software. For example, Linux, Windows, etc.
- Language Processor – System software translates human-readable languages (high-level languages) into machine-level language, which is done by a language processor. It converts the programs into instructions to make it easy for the machines to read. For example, an interpreter and a compiler.
Types of Application Software
- Utility Software – This software is designed for optimizing and maintaining the system as it supports the architecture of the computer.
- General Purpose Software – The application software is used for performing tasks that are used for a variety of purposes. For example, MS Excel, MS Word, etc.
- Customized Software – It is used to perform tasks that are designed for specific purposes. For example, airline reservation systems and railway reservation systems.
Examples of System Software and Application Software
The examples of system software are
- Operating Systems – Linux, Android, macOS, Windows.
- Device Drivers – These are the software that allows the operating system to communicate with hardware devices like printer drivers and graphics card drivers.
- Utilities – The programs that perform maintenance tasks on the computer, such as defragmentation, file management, and virus scanning.
- Firmware – Software that is embedded in the hardware devices, like the BIOS in a computer.
The examples of application software are
- Web Browsers – Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari.
- Word Processors – Microsoft Word, Google Docs.
- Multimedia Players – VLC Media Player, Windows Media Player.
- Graphics Software – Adobe Photoshop, GIMP.
- Database Programs – Microsoft Access, MySQL.
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Conclusion
Software is a set of instructions, data, or programs that drive computers and perform various tasks. Software gives instructions to the hardware. Both system software and application software are parts of a computer system. Each serves a different and unique function. The system software ensures that hardware will work smoothly, and application software ensures that users can execute any specific task without any complication and without disturbance.
Difference Between System Software and Application Software – FAQs
Q1. What is the main difference between system software and application software?
The system software manages and operates the computer system, enabling the system to function. The application software helps the users to perform specific tasks.
Q2. Give some examples of system software.
There are three types of system software: operating systems, device drivers, and utility programs. The example of each types are
Operating systems – Windows, Linux, macOS,
Device drivers
Utility Programs – Antivirus, disk cleanup tools
Q3. Does system software run in the background?
Yes, the system software runs in the background; if it stops running, then the computer will not work.
Q4. Which is installed first on a computer: system or application software?
System software is installed first, and then the application software is installed when the system becomes ready.
Q5. Is application software depend on system software?
Yes, application software depends on the system software to run.