Banking Exam Question - What are the Difference between System Software & Application Software? Also Explain about Package & Tailored Software

1) System software

System software is a collection of program designed to operate, control and manage the actual operation of the computer equipment. System software are developed by the manufactures to provide software tools that enables the user to write and run application software. Examples of system software are as follows:

• Operating system
• File management tools
• Language translator
• Utility software
• Debuggers
• Device driver

2) Application software

Application software is complete, self-contained program that performs specific functions directly for the user.

a) General purpose application software

• Presentation tools
• Word processor
• Spreadsheet tools
• Database management system

b) Tailored/specific purpose application software

• Inventory management system
• Purchasing system
• Payroll management system
• Hotel management system
• Reservation system
• Report card generator

Types of application software

The software used for special purpose/specific task written in a specific language. Two types of application software are given are as follows:

a) Package software:

It is a set of pre-written program. Different kinds of program related to an application are combined together to form a package. Those packages are common to many users. Such as; MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.

b) Tailored or custom software:

This kind of software are developed for solving a particular problem. Software developed in higher level language to perform certain functions. E.g. software for payroll, inventory control, super market billing, railway reservation, hotel reservation etc.