Question

Regarding the lecture on HIT Overview, how do you distinguish between Operation System software, Utility software and Application software?

Answer 1

System Software is the type of software which is the interface between application software and system.

Application Software is the type of software which runs as per user request. It runs on the platform which is provide by system software.

A utility program is a type of system software that assists users with controlling or maintaining the operation of a computer, its devices, or its software. Utility programs typically offer features that provide an environment conducive to successful use of application software. For example, utility programs protect a computer against malicious software and unauthorized intrusions, manage files and disks, compress files, play media files, and burn optical discs. One of the more important utility programs protects a computer against malicious software, or  malware, which is a program that acts without a user’s knowledge and deliberately alters the computer’s operations. A computer virus is a type of malicious software.

Difference Between the Operation System Software and Application Software:-

1. Development Language: 

In general System software are developed in low level language which is more compatible with the system hardware in order to interact with.

While in case of Application software high level language is used for their development as they are developed as some specific purpose software.

2. Usage:

System software is used for operating computer hardware.

On other hand Application software is used by user to perform specific task.

3. Installation:

System software are installed on the computer when operating system is installed.

On other hand Application software are installed according to user’s requirements.

4. User interaction:

As mentioned in above points system software are specific to system hardware so less or no user interaction available in case of system software.

On other hand in application software user can interacts with it as user interface is available in this case.

5. Dependency: 

System software can run independently. It provides platform for running application software.

On other hand in application software can’t run independently. They can’t run without the presence of system software.

6. Examples:

Some examples of system software’s are compiler, assembler, debugger, driver, etc.

On other hand some examples of application software’s are word processor, web browser, media player, etc.