Notes on Distinguishing between system software and Application software.

1. DISTINGUISH BETWEEN
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
AND
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
FUNDAMENTALS OF SOFTWARE
byCharleneRobinson

2. SOFTWARE HIERARCHY
Computer
software
System
Software
Operating
system software
Language
Translator
Utility Programs
Application
Software
General
purpose
Integrated Specialized Custom written Customized

3. SYSTEM SOFTWARE
• System software is software that basically allows the parts of a
computer to work together as a single unit.
• System software is a program that manages and supports the
computer resources and operations of a computer system while it
executes various tasks such as processing data and information,
controlling hardware components, and allowing users to use
application software.

4. OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE
Controls the hardware and how all other software works. eg. Windows vista,
MAC 0S8.
Function of the OSS
• Memory Management
• Security
• File management
• (Resource Management)
• Provides a User Interface
• communication

5. LANGUAGE TRANSLATOR
• Language translators are programs that convert instructions written
in source code (programming language) to object code (machine
language.
Eg. assemblers, compilers, interpreters.

6. UTILITY SOFTWARE
These are software to protect and maintain the smooth running of the
computer system.
Example of utility software:
• network managers,
• compression,
• encryption,
• application launchers.
• Etc.

7. APPLICATION SOFTWARE
• Programs developed to carry out Specific Task or to solve particular
problems.
Application Software can be categorized as:
• General Purpose software
• Integrated Software packages
• Specialized software
• Customized
• Custom written

8. GENERAL PURPOSE SOFTWARE
• Software that aids in allowing you to accomplish simple computer related tasks.
eg Microsoft word, excel, PowerPoint.

9. INTEGRATED SOFTWARE PACKAGES
• Software that contains several applications rolled into one. Integrated
software usually includes word processing, spreadsheet, database,
graphics and communication capabilities. Two popular integrated
software packages are Microsoft Office and ClarisWorks

10. ADVANTAGES OF INTEGRATED SOFTWARE
• Takes up less space on hard drive.
• You can move faster from one application to the next.
• It is usually easier to learn as the user interface for choosing commands is the
same.

11. DISADVANTAGES OF INTEGRATED SOFTWARE
• Not all the features of the full version application is included in the ISP.
• Some integrated package do not contain all the application that may be required
to carryout a specific task.

12. SPECIALIZE SOFTWARE
• Written for a specific field . These programs provide facilities specially for which
they were designed.

13. CUSTOMIZED SOFTWARE
• Created from the modification of general purpose software to meet the needs of an
individual or an organisation. Modification is done by writing codes to change the
existing program codes.
CUSTOMIZED SOFTWARE

14. CUSTOM WRITTEN SOFTWARE
• These are software written to meet the specific needs of a company. Custom
written is a solution tailored to achieve a company’s software goals and needs.

15. ADVANTAGES OF CUSTOM WRITTEN
• It performs task that general software can’t perform.
• The software can be quickly changed when needs of the business change, since
the source code belongs to the company.

16. DISADVANTAGES OF CUSTOM WRITTEN
• This cost of developing software, on site installation and training are often high.
• Lengthy developing time, it takes time to acquire the information necessary to
write the code for the new software.
• Increase probability of undetected error.