Difference Between System Software and
Application Software
System Software vs Application Software
System software and application software are computer programs. The system software is also
installed during the installation of the operating system. However, the application software
utilizes the capabilities of the computer on which it is installed.
System Software
The programs and the file that comprises the operating system are called system software. These
files include configuration files, system preferences, system services, libraries of functions and
the drivers for the hardware installed on the computer. The computer programs in system
software include compilers, system utilities, assemblers, debuggers and file management tools.
Once you install the operating system, the system software is also installed. Program such
“Software update” or “Windows update” can be used to update the system software. However,
the end user does not run the system software. For example, while using the web browser, you
don’t need to use the assembler program.
System software is also called low-level software as it runs at most basic level of the computer. It
just creates a graphical user interface thorough which the user can interact with hardware with
the help of operating system. System software just runs at the back so you don’t need to bother
about it.
The system software provides an environment to run application software and it controls the
computer as well as the applications installed on the machine.
Application software
The subclass of a computer program which utilizes the capabilities of computer is called
application software. Application here means the application software and the implementation.
The example of application software programs includes media players, spreadsheets and word
processors. When multiple applications are packaged together then it is called application suite.
There is a common user interface in each application suite which makes it easier for the user to
learn different applications. In some cases, such as Microsoft Office, the various application
programs have the ability to interact with each other. This facility is very handy for the user. For
example, a user can embed the spreadsheet in a word processor using the application software.
Application software cannot run without the presence of system software.
Difference between system software and application software
• System software gets installed when the operating system is installed on the
computer while application software is installed according to the requirements of
the user.
• System software includes programs such as compilers, debuggers, drivers,
assemblers while application software includes media players, word processors,
and spreadsheet programs.
• Generally, users do not interact with system software as it works in the
background whereas users interact with application software while doing different
activities.
• A computer may not require more than one type of system software while there
may be a number of application software programs installed on the computer at the
same time.
• System software can run independently of the application software while
application software cannot run without the presence of the system software.
Make differences between Application and
System Software
Application
Software
Subject
Definition
Purpose
Classification
Application software is
computer software designed
to help the user to perform
specific tasks.
It is specific purpose
software.


Package Program,
Customized Program
System Software
System software is computer software
designed to operate the computer
hardware and to provide a platform for
running application software.
It is general-purpose software.




Time Sharing,
Resource Sharing,
Client Server
Batch Processing Operating




Environment
Execution
Time
Essentiality
Number
Picture
Application Software
performs in a environment
which created by
System/Operating System
It executes as and when
required.
Application is not essential
for a computer.
The number of application
software is much more than
system software.
System
Real time Operating System
Multi-processing Operating
System
Multi-programming Operating
System
Distributed Operating System
System Software Create his own
environment to run itself and run other
application.
It executes all the time in computer.
System software is essential for a
computer
The number of system software is less
than application software.