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Difference Between System Software and Application Software

system-software-vs-application-softwareSoftware is basically classified into two categories, System Software and Application Software. Where System Software acts as an interface between Application Software and hardware of the computer. The Application Software acts an interface between user and System Software. We can distinguish System Software and Application Software on account of the purpose of their design.

The System Software is designed to manage the system resources and it also provides a platform for Application Software to run. On the other hand Application Software are designed for the users to perform their specific tasks.

Let us explore some more differences between System Software and Application Software with the help of comparison chart shown below.

Content: System Software Vs Application Software

  1. Comparison Chart
  2. Definition
  3. Key Differences
  4. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

Basis for ComparisonSystem SoftwareApplication Software
BasicSystem Software manages system resources and provides a platform for application software to run. Application Software, when run, perform specific tasks, they are designed for.
LanguageSystem Software is written in a low-level language, i.e. assembly language.Application Software is written in a high-level language like Java, C++, .net, VB, etc.
RunSystem Software starts running when the system is turned on, and runs till the system is shut down.Application Software runs as and when the user requests.
RequirementA system is unable to run without system software.Application software is even not required to run the system; it is user specific.
PurposeSystem Software is general-purpose. Application Software is specific-purpose.
ExamplesOperating system.Microsoft Office, Photoshop, Animation Software, etc.

Definition of System Software

System Software is the software that is written in a low-level language, like assembly language. The main purpose of System Software is to manage and control the resources of the system. It takes care of memory management, process management, protection and security of the system. It also provides the computing environment to the other software like Application Software.

The System Software creates an interface between the hardware of the system and the user. It makes the systems understand, the command entered by the user. It also acts as an interface between Application Software and hardware. The System Software start running when the system is turned on and manages all the resources of the system and it runs till the system is turned off.

The System Software is general purpose software and is essential for the working of the computer. Generally, the end user does not interact with the System Software directly.  The user interacts with the GUI created by System Software. The best example for the System Software is Operating System.

Definition of Application Software

Application Software is a software written in a high-level language like Java, VB, .net, etc. Application Software is user specific and is design to meet the requirements of the user. It may be a computing software, editing software, designing software, etc. That means each Application Software is designed for a specific purpose.

The Application Software run on the platform created by the System Software. Application Software is an intermediary between the end user and System Software. You can install multiple Application Software on a System Software. Application Software is not essential to run a system, but it makes the system useful. The examples for Application Software are MS Office, Photoshop,  etc.

Key Differences Between System Software and Application Software

  1. System Software is designed to manage the system resources like memory management, process management, protection and security, etc. and it also provides the platform for the application software to run. On the other hand, the Application Software is designed to meet the user requirements of performing specific tasks.
  2. The System Software is written in a low-level language like assembly language. However, Application Software is written in a high-level language like Java, C++, .net, VB, etc.
  3. The System Software starts running as the system is powered on and run till the system is powered off. The Application Software starts when the user starts it and stops when the user stops it.
  4. A system can not run without the System Software whereas, the Application Software is user specific they are not required to run a system; they are meant only for the users.
  5. Where the System Software is general purpose software, the Application Software is a specific purpose software.
  6. The best example of System Software is Operating system whereas, the examples of Application Software is MicroSoft Office, Photoshop, etc.

Conclusion

Both, the System Software and the Application Software together make a system useful for the end user. The System Software is compulsory for the system to work. Similarly, the Application Software are necessary for the user to perform their specific task.

Related Differences:

  1. Difference Between High-Level Language and Low-Level Language
  2. Difference Between Stack and Queue
  3. Difference Between Hardware and Software
  4. Difference Between Interface and Abstract Class in Java & C#
  5. Difference Between Class and Interface in Java

Comments

  1. Jackson Abea says

    February 3, 2017 at 2:36 pm

    The information is just excellent.

    Reply
  2. Madhav Wagh says

    June 3, 2017 at 12:39 pm

    The information format, the way it is presented, the quality of information, the ease of understandability….Excellent…Hats Off

    Reply
  3. Ajay says

    September 16, 2017 at 6:16 am

    Information is too good

    Reply
  4. Ayush kumar says

    October 10, 2017 at 1:19 am

    Great answer

    Reply
  5. opppp says

    December 6, 2017 at 7:33 pm

    Awesome

    Reply
  6. sibu says

    March 15, 2018 at 2:45 am

    Nice article helped me a lot.

    Reply
  7. sami says

    October 1, 2018 at 3:36 pm

    So awesome explanation

    Reply
  8. Pratiksha baral says

    December 1, 2018 at 3:53 am

    Nice post thank you

    Reply
  9. Hodges says

    February 24, 2019 at 10:14 pm

    Great layout, please write more examples of System software.

    Reply
  10. Joshi Sachin T says

    May 12, 2019 at 5:13 am

    Very good attempt mam

    Reply
  11. Enea says

    May 23, 2019 at 2:51 pm

    All I can tell you is thank you infinitely and immeasurably for this clear, simple, and natural elucidation. You crystallized everything without ambiguity.

    Reply
  12. Lawrence Nsoyuni Ayenika says

    May 2, 2020 at 10:37 pm

    Great answer, Thank you

    Reply
  13. offshore says

    October 15, 2022 at 9:57 am

    Enjoyed reading the article above, really explains everything in detail, if we want to hire a mobile app developer, the article is very interesting and effective. Thank you and good luck in the upcoming articles

    Reply
  14. Dirk Bently says

    May 24, 2023 at 6:47 pm

    This material is included in Northern Arizona University’s online MCIT program.

    Reply

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