Differences Between System Software and Application Software

First, what is Software?

Software is the part of the computer that cannot be touched by humans like operating systems and applications. By using Software we can communicate with the computer and instruct the Hardware. There are two types of software known in each computer, which are System Software and Application Software.

System Software

It is the collection of programs that makes the hardware of the computer operate. So, if you do not have a system software you will not be able to use your computer. It consists of four main parts.

1. Operating Systems: The coordinate the recourses, provide the interface, and runs applications. Most well-known operating systems these days are (Windows, Mac OS, Linux).

2. Utilities: They perform specific tasks related to computer recourses. For Instance, antivirus and backup programs.

3. Device Drivers: Each device that wants to be connected to the computer needs a driver to operate. Let's say we need to connect our computer with a printer, then we need first to install a driver to our system so that the printer would work without any issues.

4.Language Translators: There main purpose is to translate what is written by programmers to a language that a computer can understand. There are three types of translators as shown below.

Application Software

These are the programs that are installed by the computer user to perform several tasks. They are divided into two types.

1. Basic Application Software: Programs that are used for general purpose tasks and can be used by the majority of people. These programs include Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. There are also other companies that provide their own basic applications like Apple and Google.

2. Specializes Application Software: Some apps can only be used by professional users, and people might need courses to learn how to use them. These are what we call Specialized Application Software. They just focus more on specific tasks like designing, graphics and animations. Adobe Photoshop is one of the easiest examples that we can consider as an example of Specializes Apps.