What is computer application software, and
how does it differ from other categories of software? This lesson introduces
you to some examples of application software and how they are used.
Software Types
The term 'software' refers to the
set of electronic program instructions or data a computer processor reads in
order to perform a task or operation. In contrast, the term 'hardware'
refers to the physical components that you can see and touch, such as the
computer hard drive, mouse, and keyboard.
Software can be categorized according to
what it is designed to accomplish. There are two main types of software: systems
software and application software.
Systems Software
Systems software includes the programs that are dedicated to
managing the computer itself, such as the operating system, file
management utilities, and disk operating system (or DOS). The operating system
manages the computer hardware resources in addition to applications and data.
Without systems software installed in our computers we would have to type the
instructions for everything we wanted the computer to do!
Applications Software
Application software, or
simply applications, are often
called productivity programs or end-user programs because they enable the user
to complete tasks, such as creating documents, spreadsheets, databases and
publications, doing online research, sending email, designing graphics, running
businesses, and even playing games! Application software is specific to the
task it is designed for and can be as simple as a calculator application or as
complex as a word processing application. When you begin creating a document,
the word processing software has already set the margins, font style and size,
and the line spacing for you. But you can change these settings, and you have
many more formatting options available. For example, the word processor
application makes it easy to add color, headings, and pictures or delete, copy,
move, and change the document's appearance to suit your needs.
Difference between System Software and Application
Software
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S.No.
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System Software
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Application Software
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1.
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System software is used for operating
computer hardware.
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Application software is used by user to
perform specific task.
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2.
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System softwares are installed on the
computer when operating system is installed.
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Application softwares are installed according
to user’s requirements.
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3.
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In general, the user does not interact with
system software because it works in the background.
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In general, the user interacts with
application sofwares.
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4.
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System software can run independently. It
provides platform for running application softwares.
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Application software can’t run
independently. They can’t run without the presence of system software.
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5.
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Some examples of system softwares are
compiler, assembler, debugger, driver, etc.
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Some examples of application softwares are
word processor, web browser, media player, etc.
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