Difference Between System Software and Application Software
Aspect System Software Application Software
Definition A type of software designed A type of software designed
to operate and control the to help users perform
hardware and provide a specific tasks or
platform for running applications.
application software.
Purpose Serves as an intermediary Focuses on achieving
between hardware and user specific tasks or solving
applications. user problems.
Examples Operating systems Microsoft Word, Excel, web
(Windows, Linux, macOS), browsers, games, media
utility programs, device players.
drivers.
Dependency Operates independently and Depends on system
is essential for the system to software to function.
function.
User Interaction Operates in the background Requires direct user
with minimal user interaction to perform
interaction. tasks.
Development Complexity More complex to develop as Comparatively simpler to
it involves managing develop as it focuses on
hardware resources and user-specific tasks.
system operations.
Installation Comes pre-installed with Installed by the user as per
the system or is installed their requirements.
during initial setup.
Execution Starts running when the Runs as and when required
system is powered on and by the user.
continues until it is
powered off.
Size and Resource Usage Typically larger and Usually smaller and
requires more system requires fewer system
resources. resources compared to
system software.
Examples of Functions Managing memory, Writing documents,
controlling peripherals, browsing the internet,
facilitating file editing videos.
management.
