What differs a system software from application software?
Answer Details
System software and application software are two broad categories of computer software, each with different functions and purposes.
System software is a collection of programs that control and manage the basic operations of a computer system. It is designed to provide a platform for other software applications to run on. System software includes operating systems, device drivers, utilities, and other tools that enable the computer to operate and perform its functions.
On the other hand, application software refers to programs that are designed to perform specific tasks or applications for the user. These programs are used for word processing, spreadsheets, photo editing, web browsing, and other specialized tasks. Application software is often created by third-party developers and can be installed and used by end-users.
The main difference between system software and application software is the purpose they serve. System software is responsible for managing the hardware and providing a platform for other software to run on, while application software is designed to perform specific tasks for the user.
Other differences between system software and application software include:
- Ability to multi-task: System software is designed to manage and allocate system resources, while application software is designed to perform specific tasks. Therefore, system software has more multitasking capabilities than application software.
- Minimal in terms of space: System software is usually larger in terms of size and requires more storage space than application software.
- Presence of cache memory: System software may use cache memory to improve the performance of the computer system, while application software does not typically use cache memory.
- Unique programs installed by the creators to help run the computer: System software includes programs that are installed by the computer manufacturer or operating system developer to help run the computer, such as device drivers and system utilities. Application software does not include these types of programs.