System Software vs Application Software

System software runs and manages the computer itself and provides a platform for other programs. It includes the operating system, device drivers, firmware and utilities such as disk tools and antivirus. It runs in the background and starts with the computer.

Application software is used directly by people to do specific tasks, such as web browsers, word processors, spreadsheets, games and accounting apps. Applications depend on system software to run: a browser cannot work without an operating system underneath it.