Hardware and software are two components of the computer. Hardware performs work, such as running programs and making decisions. Software, on the other hand, is a collection of instructions that tells the hardware how to perform certain tasks. A computer cannot perform its job without either. In most cases, hardware and software are complementary, but not necessarily the same. In many cases, one component will not be as useful as the other. If you’re unsure which is more important, read on for a quick primer.
Software can be classified by its availability and sharability. Application software includes programs like Microsoft Word, iTunes, and Internet Explorer. These programs are a type of software that allows a user to complete a task. In general, these programs are used for personal use or to perform a particular function. However, some types of applications are more useful than others. While this is the case for many types of applications, some features are more important than others.
System software is responsible for managing a computer’s entire system. It manages how the user interacts with hardware and other software. It is not directly used by end users, but instead runs in the background. Unlike other programs, system code is not visible to the user, but it helps the device work as a whole. It loads into memory when the computer first starts up. It also contains libraries of functions, debuggers, and system preferences.