Difference Wiki

Application Software vs. Operating System

To make sure that a device works at its maximum potential there is always a requirement of having some programs installed. Two essential components that are discussed in this article just perform the same job. These two programs have their distinctive definitions. The first one is a computer-based program that is designed to carry out some tasks that are grouped together and helps people in completing their work at faster speeds. The latter one tasked with managing both the software and the hardware parts of the system and hence keeps the device working properly.

Key Differences

An application usually has a large size ranging in MBs whereas an operating system is the biggest component of the software and ranges in GBs.
Aimie Carlson
Mar 19, 2017
The best example of an application software is Picasa, a software that is used to open picture of various file formats. The best example of an operating system is Microsoft Windows that helps in running the computer and the processes.
An application software cannot work without an operating system whereas an operating system does not have any dependency on an application.
Samantha Walker
Mar 19, 2017
An application software is mostly downloaded from the internet whereas an operating system comes preinstalled in the device we buy.
An application software is a computer based program that is designed to perform some tasks that are grouped together and helps people in completing their work at faster speeds. An operating system is the most important of any electronic device as tasked with managing both the software and the hardware parts of the system.
There is only one operating system for each computer whereas application software gets downloaded on the same device without any limit.
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The operating system is essential whereas an application software is optional.

Comparison Chart

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A computer-based program that is designed to perform some task grouped together.
The largest of any electronic device as tasked with managing both the software and the hardware parts of the system.

Access

Always downloaded from the internet.
Always comes installed on the device purchased.

Example

VLC Media Player
Microsoft Windows

Usage

An accessory that may or may not shows any benefit
Most important part of a system.
Samantha Walker
Mar 19, 2017

Size

Big, usually in Megabytes.
More Prominent, usually in Gigabytes.
Aimie Carlson
Mar 19, 2017
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Dependency

Always depends on the operating system.
Does not rely on the application software.
Samantha Walker
Mar 19, 2017

Definition of Application Software

An application software known by many names and the most common ones for this are an application program, application or app. It is a computer-based program that is designed to perform some tasks that are grouped together and helps people in completing their work at faster speeds. It benefits the use and carries out a group of functions that are coordinated together, or fulfill tasks and activities that help the user. Many examples of software exist, for instance, whenever we have to watch a video, we need a video player. Several of them are present both within the computer or on the internet. The best ones for this purposes are a VLC player or Windows Media Player. Similarly, whenever we have to access the internet, we require a browser that helps to connect us to the web and open several websites. For this requirement, people download packages such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Opera. Two ways are present to make sure these are accessible for the user. First one is that they come with the computer program and provided by the developer of the Windows. The second one is the way people develop programs on their own to help make some of the files work. The simplest of definition for an application program is a software that is designed to help people with information technology. It can manipulate data such as text, graphics, numbers or a collection of any one of them. Most of the apps focus on performing one task at a time while many others have their concentration on providing several facilities.

Definition of Operating System

An operating system is the most important of any electronic device tasked with managing both the software and the hardware parts of the system and hence keeps the device working properly. All the computer programs require an operating system to work. Most standard components of an operating system are the user, who has the control in their hands and want to make things happen by inputting the data and running several applications and utilities. Then the work of implementation starts that manage all the working within the computer and help in moving several functions such as images, videos, worksheets and others. The operating system provides the facilities that assist the app and utilities in the running by proper programming. All the data then gets displayed in the form of output and input on the screens and other hardware devices. Every computer that becomes useful for the general purpose must have an operating system. Otherwise, it will not function properly. An OS performs the basic tasks such as recognizing the input from the keyboard and then sending the output in the form of display. It also keeps track of the directories on the disk and files that work. For systems that are larger, the OS has to provide more functions and powers. It is like a controller that makes sure different programs and users stay logged in on the computer and do not have any conflict. It provides safety and security that saves people from accessing the system without any problems. Microsoft Windows, Ubuntu, Linux, and iOS are the leading example of an operating system.

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