Welcome to the Treehouse Community

Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.

Looking to learn something new?

Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.

Start your free trial

Digital Literacy Computer Basics Computer Languages Software

Posted by Lekx bro
Lekx bro
525 Points

i cannot differentiate between application software and system software

thank you ;)

1 Answer

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,275 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,275 Points

As stated in the course, "System software is ... designed to operate and control the computer's hardware and provide a platform for running application software. These include operating systems, utility software, and device drivers."

So anything else, like browsers, word processors, spreadsheets, and games, would be application software.

Another way to think about is:

  • system software is what makes the computer usable in general
  • application software makes the computer do some specific useful task

Does that help make it clear?