Difference Between System Software

and Application Software

The difference between system software and application software is based on
installation, execution, interaction, etc. It is an important topic in the GATE CSE
syllabus. The table mentioned below shows the vital differences between these two.

Key Difference Between System Software and Application Software

System Software Application Software
System software is used for operating the The user uses application software
computer hardware. to perform a specific task.
System software is installed on the computer Application software is installed
when the operating system is installed. according to user requirements.
Application software cannot run
System software provides the platform for running
without the presence of system
application software.
software.
At the same time, application
System software works/runs independently. software cannot work or run
independently.
The user does not interact with system software In the application software, the user
because it works in the background. interacts directly.
System software runs automatically when the
Application software runs when the
computer is turned ON and STOP when the
user requests it.
computer shutdown.

Application Software and System Software

Computer software can be divided into two broad categories: system and application.
Software is a collection of programs that direct a computer to perform specific tasks. It is
in contrast to hardware, which is the physical component of the computer system. The
hardware performs functions based on the commands given by the software.

What is a System Software?

System software provides essential functionality to the computer. System software is
required for the working of the computer itself. The computer user does not need to be
aware of the functioning of system software while using the computer.

For example, when you buy a computer, the system software would also include
different device drivers.
 The purpose of system software is to control computer hardware, provide essential
functionality to computers, and act as an interface between the application software,
user, and computer hardware.

What is an Application Software?

Application software may be a set of programs or a single program. A software package
is a collection/group of programs written for a specific purpose and provides the
required functionality. The user uses it to accomplish a specific task.

Application software is written for applications like word processors, media players,
database applications, accounting purposes, Telecommunications, etc. Examples of the
application software package are word processing, image processing, accounting, and
spreadsheet software.

Application Software vs System Software

System software is a set of programs used to regulate system hardware. It acts as an
interface between the system and the user. This software enables the system to
understand the command given by the users. Application software is software that
meets the specific needs of the user. They are downloaded and installed in the system
as per the user's need. Unlike system software, application software is not absolutely
vital for running a system. However, they do make the system more functional.

Application Software vs System Software

Key System Software Application Software
Inter- System software is independent and runs on its Application software requires the s
dependency own. function.
System software is written using a low-level Application software is written usin
language such as assembly language or machine such as C++, Java, etc. High-level
Language
language. Such languages are closer to the to human languages and are much
computer system. and understand.
Application software is a specific p
System software is general-purpose software. It is Different users use different applic
Purpose
necessary to run the system. their needs. A user can also use m
software at the same time.
System software starts working as soon as the
A user can run application software
system is switched on and stops only when switched
Working stop running it when the work is co
off. It runs in the background and is not noticeable
software, it runs in the foreground.
most times.
Programming system software is a complex task Managing application software is m
Complexity
because of the low-level language used. comparison
Differentiate Between System Software and
Application Software with Examples
System software is made for ordinary people and is also called general-purpose
software. A graphical user interface is generally adjoined with the software to make the
user's interaction easier. A system cannot function without system software.

An interesting connection between the application and system software is that the
former runs on the platform provided by the latter. Hence, application software is an
intermediary between the user and system software.

Examples of application software are MS Office, Spreadsheets, Editing Software, Game

Platforms, etc. Operating systems like Android, Linux, Microsoft Windows, etc., are
examples of system software.