Difference between Operating System and Application Software

A software is a set of rules or instructions that are given to a computer to perform some function. Basically, software is classified into two types- Application software and system software. System software is the main software of a computer that has a direct access to the system’s hardware. It takes care and monitors all the other functions of a computer.

Application software is additional software in a computer which is used to perform a specific function. Users has a direct access to this application software and this software is not mandatory in a system. We can use system without this application software.

What is an Operating System?

Operating system is a system software that acts as a mediator between the user and hardware. It manages all the hardware components. It provides an environment for the user to interact with various applications, execute programs and use hardware components etc., OS is the essential part of a computer system.

OS is the first program to run when the computer is turned on. BIOS will start running the operating system once computer is started. It manages other application software, hardware devices, allocates memory, storage management etc.,

The main functions of an operating system are −

• It provides an environment for the user to interact with the computer components and acts as an interface between the user and the system’s hardware.

• It manages all the system resources and allocate them to the user based on their needs.

• It runs various other application software

Types of Operating Systems

Here is a list of different types of operating systems:

• Batch operating system − Allows multiple users to use it at the same time. But there are no connections between the users. The OS doesn’t directly interact with the hardware. There are certain operators between the OS and hardware.

• Time-sharing operating system − Each task is given with certain amount of time to execute. Once the time is completed, the control is shifted to the next task.

• Distributed operating system − Here, all computer systems are connected to an OS. Each computer has its own memory and CPU and they are all connected to a single operating system. Connected computers can access various files from that network which are not actually present in them.

• Network operating system − Here computers have their own operating system and are connected to a common server.

• Real-time operating system − These OS are designed to perform specific tasks in a given time limit. They are used in missiles, airbags, etc.

What is an Application Software?

Application software is a software program than can perform a specific task. This task performed can be business related or personal. This software is accessed by the user and its sole purpose is to serve the user requirements.

Application software are installed by the user. User can use different application software based on their need. One can install a number of application software in their system. We can run multiple application software at the same time.

Games like candy crush, web browsers, messengers like Whatsapp, social media apps ae all examples of application software. Users directly interact with this software to perform their task.

Types of Application Software

Here is a list of different types of application software we get to see −

• Freeware − As the name suggests, this application software is available for free. Adobe reader, Yahoo messenger, LibreOffice etc., are some of the freeware software

• Open source − The source code of these software is available for all thus one can change it and add new features to it. Apache web server, GIMP, etc., are examples of open source software

• Shareware − This software is available for free for a limited period of time (trail) and then one has to pay for their services. Winzip, Adobe acrobat, skype etc., are some of the shareware software

• Custom software − Software that is special developed for a user or organization. E-commerce solution, Fintech solution, etc., are some of the custom software

• Packaged software − Software consisting a group of similar programs. MS Office is the best example for this. It consists of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.

Operating System vs. Application Software

The following table highlights the major differences between Operating System and Application Software −

Parameter	Operating System	Application Software
Definition	It is a system software that acts as an interface between the user and system’s hardware.	It is a software program that can perform a specific task.
Programming language	It is written using low level languages like assembly language and C, C++	This software is written in high level programming languages like C++, Python, Java, etc.
Run time	It is the first software loaded by BIOS when the computer is tuned on.	It is used by the user based on their requirements.
Goal	Its main aim is to manage the hardware components efficiently.	It is used by the user to perform a specific function.
Installation	It is pre-installed in the devices.	User needs to install them from the Internet.
Necessity	Without OS, a computer can’t run.	It has no effect on the general functioning of a computer.
Examples	Windows, Android, Mac, Linux etc., are some of the operating system.	MS office, Adobe reader, WhatsApp, etc., are all examples of application software.

Conclusion

Operating system is a system software that acts as an interface between user and hardware whereas application software is a software that performs a specific function. Operating system is very important as we can’t run application software without it.