SYSTEM SOFTWARE

System software is a type of computer program that is designed to run a computer’s hardware and application programs. If we think of the computer system as a layered model, the system software is the interface between the hardware and user applications.

The operating system (OS) is the best-known example of system software. The OS manages all the other programs in a computer.

Other examples of system software and what each does:

·         The BIOS (basic input/output system) gets the computer system started after you turn it on and manages the data flow between the operating system and attached devices such as the hard disk, video adapter, keyboard, mouse, and printer.

·         The boot program loads the operating system into the computer's main memory or random access memory (RAM).

·         An assembler takes basic computer instructions and converts them into a pattern of bits that the computer's processor can use to perform its basic operations.

·         A device driver controls a particular type of device that is attached to your computer, such as a keyboard or a mouse. The driver program converts the more general input/output instructions of the operating system to messages that the device type can understand.

·         According to some definitions, system software also includes system utilities, such as the disk defragmenter and System Restore, and development tools such as compilers and debuggers.

System software and application programs are the two main types of computer software. Unlike system software, an application program (often just called an application or app) performs a particular function for the user. Examples (among many possibilities) include browsers, email clients, word processors and spreadsheets.

DEFINITIONS

·         motherboard

 - A motherboard is the main printed circuit board (PCB) in a computer. The motherboard is a computer’s central communications backbone connectivity point

·         boot sector

 - A boot sector is a specially assigned section of a storage drive containing the files required to start the operating system (OS) and other bootable programs such as antivirus programs

·         binary

 - Binary describes a numbering scheme in which there are only two possible values for each digit: 0 and 1. The term also refers to any digital encoding/decoding system

GLOSSARIES

·         Computing fundamentals

 - Terms related to computer fundamentals, including computer hardware definitions and words and phrases about software, operating systems, peripherals and troubleshooting.

·         Internet applications

 - This WhatIs.com glossary contains terms related to Internet applications, including definitions about Software as a Service (SaaS) delivery models and words and phrases about web sites, e-commerce ..

APPLICATIN SOFTWARE

Applications Software

Application software, or simply applications, are often called productivity programs or end-user programs because they enable the user to complete tasks such as creating documents, spreadsheets, databases, and publications, doing online research, sending email, designing graphics, running businesses, and even playing games! Application software is specific to the task it is designed for and can be as simple as a calculator application or as complex as a word processing application. When you begin creating a document, the word processing software has already set the margins, font style and size, and the line spacing for you. But you can change these settings, and you have many more formatting options available. For example, the word processor application makes it easy to add color, headings, and pictures or delete, copy, move, and change the document's appearance to suit your needs.

Microsoft Word is a popular word-processing application that is included in the software suite of applications called Microsoft Office. A software suite is a group of software applications with related functionality. For example, office software suites might include word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and email applications. Graphics suites such as Adobe Creative Suite include applications for creating and editing images, while Sony Audio Master Suite is used for audio production.

A Web browser, or simply browser, is an application specifically designed to locate, retrieve, and display content found on the Internet. By clicking a hyperlink or by typing the URL of a website, the user is able to view Web sites consisting of one or more Web pages. Browsers such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari are just a few of the many available to choose from.

System Software vs Application Software

System software manages and operates computer hardware thereby providing a platform for other application software. The one name that comes to mind in hearing the words “system software” is Operating System like Linux, Mac OS X, or Windows. Operating System makes it possible for different computer parts to work in tandem. It is also known as low-level software as it operates on the lowest computer level. It makes data movement possible between the memory and disks and manages the output to display devices. Another system software is BIOS and firmware. This helps in operating the built-in or connected computer hardware. We can make use of utilities like language translator, compilers, DBMS programs, and other diagnostic tools that are a special type of system software.

Application software is a subset of system software with the ability to employ certain computer functions directly as per user requirements. It gives the user the power to perform either single or multiple tasks. User specific software like animations, graphics, or macros follows under the aegis of application software. Other popular application software includes: CRM software, ERP software, accounting, graphics, and media software.

Many a times it becomes difficult to distinguish the subclass of application software from the main class of system software. But there are a few basic differences that help our understanding of the matter:

To understand the difference between system software and application software in layman terms, consider the example of a hydroelectric plant and tap water. Here “hydroelectric plant” is analogous to “system software” while “tap water” symbolizes “application software.”

In embedded systems like software used in microwave ovens and DVD players, it’s difficult to tread the thin line between application software and operating system software.

Well programmed system software abstracts its complex details from application software.

The number of system software running on your machine is less than application software as the presence of the latter depends on the user requirements.

System software can exist as a lone entity whereas application software needs system software for its existence.

Summary:

1.System software is an integral part that aids in the computer’s functioning. It manages the computer resources in ways that they can operate in tandem.

2.Application software is created for users. They manage their specific tasks to suit their needs like a media player of word processors.

3.System software provides a platform for the execution of application software.