Application software is designed to perform specific tasks for users like word processing, web browsing, or accounting. System software supports the execution and development of other programs and includes operating systems and translation systems. Operating systems control and manage computing resources and provide important services like security, file manipulation, and input/output device management. Common examples of system software are Windows, Unix, and MS-DOS.

1. Software

2. System
Software
Application
Software
Software

3.  Application software
◦ Easy-to-use programs designed to perform
specific tasks
 System software
◦ Programs that support the execution and
development of other programs
◦ Two major types
 Operating systems
 Translation systems (compilers & linkers)

4. Copyright © 2000 by Brooks/Cole Publishing Company
A division of International Thomson Publishing Inc.

5. User
Interface
Basic Input and Output Services (BIOS)
• needed for a computer to boot up
User Interface Operating System
User Interface Application Programs
Computer Hardware

6.  Application software makes computer popular and
easy to use
 Common application software:
Microsoft Word, WordPerfect
PowerPoint
Netscape, Internet Explorer
PhotoShop, Photo-Paint
Quick Time
Dreamweaver

7.  Controls and manages the computing
resources
 Examples
◦ Windows, Unix, MSDOS,
 Important services that an operating system
provides:
◦ Security: prevent unauthorized users from
accessing the system
◦ Commands to manipulate the file system
◦ Input and output on a variety of devices
◦ Window management

8.  A program needs to be written in a language
 There are many programming languages
◦ Low-level, understandable by a computer
◦ High-level, needs a translator!
 C++ is a high level programming language
A sequence of instructions
A program
(in computer language)
An algorthm
(in human language)

9.  Application software
◦ It is the reason that one wants to buy a computer:
• printout out paychecks • play Mortal
Kombat
• keep track of a stamp collection • do your taxes
• generate a fancy newsletter • guide robots
• keep a budget • draw a flowchart
• browse the Web • design a car

10. • System software
– Helps computer carry out its basic tasks.
– Includes:
• Operating systems (OS) - master control
programs
• BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)—see Rdg Handout!
• Some utilities are built into OS
• Translators (program language
translators/compilers)

11.  Application software is the general
designation of computer programs for
performing tasks. Application
software may be general purpose
(word processing, web browsers,...) or
have a specific purpose (accounting,
truck scheduling, ..) Application
software contrast with system
software.

12.  System software (systems software) is computer
software designed to provide services to other
software. Examples of system software include operating
systems, computational science software, game
engines, industrial automation, and software as a
service applications.
 In contrast to system software, software that allows users to
do things like create text documents, play games, listen to
music, or web browsers to surf the web are called application
software.[3]
 Internet Explorer
 Firefox OS
 Operating system
 Microsoft Windows,
 Mac OS X
 Linux)