System software vs application software

it includes definition,functions, uses,difference,examples, conclusion.

1. System Software
System software is software on a computer that is designed to
control and work with computer hardware.
The two main types of system software are the operating
system and the software installed with the operating system, often
called utility software. The operating system and utility software
typically depend on each other to function properly.
Some system software is used directly by users and other system
software works in the background. System software can allow
users to interact directly with hardware functionality, like
the Device Manager and many of the utilities found in the Control
Panel.

Functions of system software
 Booting the computer.
 Storing and retrieval of files.
 Providing security of data.
 Perform loading,execution and storing of application programs.
 Perform several hardware routine tasks

2. Application Software
Application software consists of programs
designed to make users more productive and/or
assist them with personal tasks.
Application software has a variety of uses:
 To make business activities more
efficient
 To assist with graphics and multimedia
projects
 To support home, personal, and educational tasks
 To facilitate communications
Functions of application software:
Application software is contrasted with system software and middleware, which manage and
integrate a computer's capabilities, but typically do not directly apply in the performance of tasks
that benefit the user. The system software serves the application, which in turn serves the user.
Similar relationships apply in other fields. For example, a shopping mall does not provide the
merchandise a shopper is seeking, but provides space and services for retailers that serve the
shopper. A bridge may similarly support rail tracks which support trains, allowing the trains to
transport passengers.

Word Processing
Word processing software enables users to make use of a computer for
creating, editing, and viewing, formatting, storing, retrieving and printing
documents. Software like MS Word, Open Office Writer and Lotus Smart
Suite Word Pro are word processing software

Database
A database is a collection of related data stored and treated as a unit
for information retrieval purposes. Database software is a set of
programs that enable us to create and maintain a data base. Software like MS Access and Oracle
are such database software.

3. Graphics
Graphics software enables the user to use a computer system to work with
designs, drawings, pictures and graphs. MS Paint is one of the most basic graphics
software


Key Differences Between System Software And Application Software

System Software



Application Software
System software is general purpose
software which is used to operate
computer hardware. It provides platform
to run application softwares.
Basic
Application software is specific purpose
software which is used by user for
performing specific task
Sytem software creates his own
environment to run itself and run other
application.
Environment
Application software performs in an
environment which created by system.
System softwares are installed on the
computer when operating system is
installed.
Installation
Application softwares are installed
according to user’s requirements
In general, the user does not interact
with system software because
Interaction
In general, the user interacts with
application sofwares
System software can run independently. Dependency
Application software can’t run
independently.
Some examples of system softwares are
compiler, assembler, debugger, driver,
etc.
Examples
Some examples of application softwares
are word processor, web browser, media
player, etc.

4. Supports the use in computer operations Support
Concern problem solving and the use of
computer as a tools
Manages computer machine resources
such as register,CPU, I/O sys
Manage
Manages operation data such as insert,
delete, update and sorting.
Written in Low level language Eg:
assembly language
Language
Written in high level language such as
Pascal, C++,VB, Java
Used as long as computer is turned on Usage Use only when it’s needed
Performs more than one job or task
related at a time(multitasking)
Performance Performs only one job or task at a
Control many processes at a time Controlling
Process done by following step by step
at a time.

It provides platform for running
application softwares.
Run
They can’t run without the presence of
system software
System software manages resources and
helps to run hardware and application
software.
Help
On the other hand, application software
performs a specific task according to
their type.
System software is essential for the
proper functioning of a system.
Essentiality
Application software is not extremely
important for the functioning of the
system.
There are much fewer system software
as compared to application software.
Number of
Software
There are many more application
software as compared to system
software.

5.  Time Sharing,
 Resource Sharing,
 Client Server
 Batch Processing Operating
System
 Real-time Operating System
 Multi-processing Operating
System
 Multi-programming Operating
System
 Distributed Operating System

Main
functions
 Package Program,
 Customized Program



Conclusion
The difference between system software and application software is that system software helps to
run computer hardware and application software while application software helps to achieve a
specific user requirement. System software is essential for the system to work properly but the
system can work without application programs.