System and Application Software
System Software
System software consists of programs that are used to control and operate the computer hardware.
There are three components in system software: operating system, utility programs and language processors.
The operating system tells the computer how to perform functions such as how to load, store and execute programs, how to transfer data between input/output devices and to manage resources available (CPU).
The operating system must be loaded in the main memory before the computer can function.
Other application software can then be loaded into the computer with the help of the operating system.
Application Software
Application software consists of programs created to perform a specific user’s task.
Application software allows a user to prepare a document, design a financial worksheet, or created a useful database.
When you think of the different programs that people use to improve the efficiency in the workplace, they can be classified as application software.
Most users do not write their own software programs – either system software or application software – because they can buy ready to use software.
System and Application Software
