 Discuss computer software and explain the difference between system software and application software

 

Computer Software: System Software and Application Software

There are two categories of computer software: system software and application software. System software serves as the interface between a user and the computer's hardware. An example of system software would be an operating system such as Microsoft Windows. Application software consists of programs designed to perform specific tasks. An example of application software would be a spreadsheet program, such as Microsoft Excel.

A 3.5-inch floppy disk is computer hardware, but the programs stored on it are computer software. Although there are two types of software, system software and application software are designed to work hand-in-glove; that is, application software packages are designed to work with specific kinds of system software. By telling the computer how to perform common functions, the operating system frees application software to concentrate on producing information. Popular operating systems include Windows, the Mac OS, OS/2, UNIX, Linux, DOS, and NetWare. Operating systems that have a graphical user interface (GUI) often are called user-friendly. Studies have found that GUI users generally complete tasks more accurately, work faster, are more productive, and feel less fatigue.

 

To understand the relationship between application software and system software, draw four concentric circles. Label the innermost circle CPU, the next operating system, the next application software, and the last user. The resultant diagram illustrates how the operating system helps to insulate the user and application program from computer hardware.