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Digital Literacy Computer Basics Computer Languages Software

Why is Linux a system software?

I'm facing a bit problem with the question in Software, Computer basics. I'm not sure what Linux is, how it acts its role in computing and how can I distinguish the difference of system software and applocation software, by knowing the form of its workspace.

3 Answers

jason chan
jason chan
31,009 Points

Okay lemme try to explain this.

System software is a operating system: windows, mac, and linux. or in cell phones osx (mac) or andriod(linux). Application software is apps like on your cell phone.

I hope that helps.

Rob B
Rob B
11,677 Points

Like Jason said, Linux, just like Windows or Mac, and Android, is an OS (Operating System). They each have their own file hierarchies, or how they organize how they work with, and where they put, their files. These OS's also tend to use certain file extensions, like .doc, .exe, etc.

Application software, or apps, or software for short, are the individual programs that you are used to working or playing with. Word, Angry Birds, Paint, Excel, Calendar, and more are just some examples.

To recap: Operating Systems are what makes the computer run/work overall, and Application Software/Programs are the individual programs and games that run on an OS.

System software provides a base or platform via which Applications can function, for example System software can be compared to a mattress, while the apps like facebook, instagram, chrome browser etc are like pillows, bed-sheet, duvet etc lol if that makes any sense loool.