Software (Comparisons)

Software

Software, also known as application, is a program or set of instructions that enables the computer to  perform any specific task with the help of the system or the hardware. For example, word processing software let users compile text documents, operating system works as a platform and supports other applications to run smoothly and so on. These software must be installed in the computer system, which is the memory or more specifically, the hard drive.

Even though the distinction is arbitrary, software can generally be divided into two categories, which are as follows:

1. System Software
2. Application Software

A brief comparison between system and application software

System software is the type of software that builds the connection between the computer system and the user interface. They also provide the basic features and functionalities for the users and provide them a platform to run the application software. Operating systems like Windows or Mac OS are the best example of system software.

Application software is the type which with the help of the computer system runs special tasks that aren't necessarily available in the computer built-in. For example, Microsoft office lets you create documents, presentations, database etc.

Some of the key differences are stated below:

• System software is used to operate computer hardware and application software is used by users to perform a specific task.
• System software are installed when operating system is installed in the computer whereas application software are installed separately according to user's requirements.
• System software works in the background and generally isn't interacted with while the application software are interacted with.
• System software run independently providing a platform for running application software while the application software can't run independently.
• Operating system, compiler, assembler, driver etc are examples of system software and word processor, web browser, media players, games etc are examples of application software.