What is System Software?
The system software is a combination of programs designed to control and manage hardware and other resources of the system. Such software help to expand the processing functionalities of the system, making its operations fast, effective, and secure.
Besides, the system software also provide a platform for executing application software. System software mainly enable users to instruct the system using various commands. However, users generally do not have direct contact with the system software. A graphical user interface is added with the system software so that users can easily interact with the system software when needed.
Typically, users do not have the option to interact with core system software. Such software automatically run in the background, manage system operations, and balance the overall performance of the system. Some of the most common examples of system software include an operating system (OS), firmware, device drivers, BIOS, debuggers, assemblers, compilers, and interpreters.
Categories of system software
Some of the important types of System Software are as follows:
Operating Systems: Operating systems are designed to effectively utilize all the hardware and software components of a computer. Some most commonly used operating systems are Windows, Android, Linux, iOS, etc.
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- Android
- CentOS
- iOS
- Linux
- Mac OS
- MS Windows
- Ubuntu
- Unix
Device Drivers: Device drivers are computer programs designed to control certain devices connected to a computer. Some such devices include keyboards, speakers, printers, scanners, storage devices, etc.
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- BIOS Driver
- Display Drivers
- Motherboard Drivers
- Printer Drivers
- ROM Drivers
- Sound card Driver
- USB Drivers
- USB Drivers
- VGA Drivers
- VGA Drivers
- Virtual Device Drivers
Programming Language Translators: Translators refer to certain programs that transform programming languages written by developers into a form or a language that can be interpreted, compiled, and executed by a computer.
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- BIOS
- Computer Peripherals
- Consumer Applications
- Embedded Systems
- UEFI
Utility Programs: Utility programs are types of programs designed to perform maintenance tasks in a computer system. Also, such programs can help in performing routine tasks.
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- Avast Antivirus
- Directory Opus
- McAfee Antivirus
- Piriform CCleaner
- Razer Cortex
- Windows File Explorer
- WinRAR
- WinZip
Communication Software: Communication software helps users to easily transfer files, folders, and programs from one computer to another over networking.
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- Assign data storage
- Enlist source code as well as program details
- Offer diagnostic reports
- Rectify system errors during the runtime
- Examples of Programming Language Translators are Interpreter, Compiler and Assemblers.
What is Application Software?
Application software is a program or a set of programs that primarily help users perform certain tasks using a computer system. These software are downloaded and installed separately by the users and have nothing to do with the system functions.
Unlike system software, application software mostly runs in the front-end and remains visible to users. Application software can only run on the platforms provided by the system software. We can refer to application software as an intermediary between the end-user and the system software. These software are primarily written using high-level languages according to user-specific requirements.
We can install multiple application software in a single computer system. Although application software are not mandatory to be installed on the system, they make the computer system more useful to users. Some of the most common examples of application software include MS Office, web browsers, games, media streaming software, Photoshop, and other media editing software.
Types of Application Software
Word-Processing Software: Word-processing software allows us to easily create, view, modify, store, or print documents on a computer system.
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- Abi word
- Apple I Work- Pages
- Corel WordPerfect
- Google Docs
- MS Word
Spreadsheet Software: Spreadsheet software allows us to easily create a computerized ledger on a computer system. Such software can be referred to as a numeric data-analysis tool.
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- Clipper
- dBase
- FileMaker
- FoxPro
- MS Access
- My SQL
Database Software: Database software can be defined as software that allows the collection of relevant data that can be accessed by users on a computer system. Users can store and retrieve files from the database according to their needs.
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- MS Access
- My SQL
Graphics Software: Graphics software is designed to help users perform tasks such as creating, editing, and drawing graphs, structures, pictures, etc. using a computer
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- Adobe Photoshop
- Autodesk Maya
- Blender
- Carrara
- Corel DRAW
- GIMP
- Modo
- Paint Shop Pro.
Education Software: Education software helps users to use computer systems as learning or teaching tools.
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- Delta Drawing
- GCompris
- Jumpstart titles
- KidPix
- MindPlay
- Tux Paint
Entertainment Software: Entertainment software includes various programs that can be used as an entertainment tool on a computer system. Adobe Photoshop
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- Inkscape
- Media Monkey
- Picasa
- VLC Media Player
- Windows Media Player
- Windows Movie Maker
Gaming Software: Gaming software, commonly called games, are advanced types of application software that help users use a computer as a gaming device and play games on it.
- car racing
- bubble shot
Summary
The purpose of both system software and application software is to help users interact with computer systems and perform various tasks. However, there are differences in their design and purposes. While system software is designed to manage system-resources or processes, application software is designed to meet certain needs of users to perform specific tasks.
