The Difference Between Application Software and System Software
Understanding the Two Types of Software
When it comes to software, there are two main categories – application software and system software. While both play important roles in making your digital life run smoothly, they are fundamentally different in terms of their purpose and how they work.
What is System Software?
System software refers to the programs that manage and control the hardware and other software on your computer. This includes the operating system, device drivers, firmware, and utility programs. Its principal function is to provide a stable and secure platform for other programs to run on.
The operating system, for instance, is responsible for managing and allocating computer resources, controlling access to the computer’s memory and processing power, and facilitating communication between the hardware and other software. Device drivers, on the other hand, provide an interface between the operating system and hardware devices, allowing the system to communicate with peripherals such as printers and scanners.
What is Application Software?
Application software, on the other hand, is designed to perform specific tasks or handles specific functions for the user. It is not essential for the computer to function, but it is what makes the computer useful for everyday tasks such as writing documents, playing games, browsing the internet, or editing photos.
Application software can be classified as either general-purpose or specialized. General-purpose applications, such as Microsoft Office, provide a broad range of functions that cater to different user needs. Specialized applications, on the other hand, are designed for specific tasks, such as accounting or graphic design. Some popular types of application software include web browsers, media players, and mobile apps.
Main Differences between Application Software and System Software
The main differences between application software and system software are their purpose and functionality. System software is essential for a computer to function, and without it, the computer would not be able to run. It manages the computer hardware and provides a platform for other programs to run on. Application software, on the other hand, provides the user with the functionality to perform specific tasks or functions.
Another difference is the way the two types of software are installed and updated. System software is typically installed by the computer manufacturer or operating system vendor, and updates are provided through automatic updates or manual downloads. Application software, on the other hand, is installed by the user and updated through various methods, such as automatic updates or download from the manufacturer’s website.
Conclusion
In summary, both application software and system software are essential components of your computer system. While system software controls and manages the hardware and provides a platform for other programs to run on, application software provides functionality and specific services to the user. Understanding the differences between the two types of software can help you make informed decisions when it comes to choosing, installing, and maintaining computer software.
Table difference between application software and system software
| Application Software | System Software |
|---|---|
| It is a type of software designed to perform specific tasks or functions for the user. | It is a type of software that operates, controls, and manages the hardware components and other software programs in the computer. |
| It is designed to meet the needs of the user and has a direct impact on the user’s productivity and efficiency. | It is designed to create an effective environment for the operation of other software programs and hardware components of the computer. |
| It includes programs like Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Photoshop, etc. | It includes programs like operating systems, drivers, utilities, firmware, and BIOS. |
| It is usually designed for a specific application or task and is easily customizable based on user needs. | It is a collection of programs that are essential for the proper functioning of the computer and cannot be easily customized by the user. |
| It is usually sold separately and is not included in the price of the computer. | It is usually included in the price of the computer and is pre-installed or bundled with the hardware. |