The hardware cannot perform tasks completely on its own. This is why Software has to complement hardware to perform a specific task. All programs running on a computer at a given time are software. It can be of two types: Application software and System software.
- System software
Just as the name suggests, it is the primary software that helps run the computer. When the computer is turned on, the system software starts working automatically by activating the hardware. It coordinates and controls the functioning of the hardware. It also controls the application programs. An example of system software is Operating System.
Operating system
It is the system software that is more of an interface to help and enable the user to communicate with the computer. It coordinates and manages the functioning of software and hardware of the computer. Famous and the most common operating systems are Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS X, and Linux.
- Application software
It is a set of programs designed and developed to perform a particular task. It neither controls nor coordinates the working of a computer. The computer does not require the application software for it to run and rather it can easily run without the application software being running in the background. It is easy to install and uninstall. Examples of application software include Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office Suit, income tax software, etc are all application software.