1. Understand the difference between system software and application software.
System Software acts as a mediator between application programs and the computer system's hardware, as well as between the PC and the user.System software is a generic term referring to any computer software which manages and controls the hardware so that application software can perform a task. It is an essential part of the computer system. An operating system is an obvious example, while an OpenGL or database library are less obvious examples. System software contrasts with application software, which are programs that help the end-user to perform specific, productive tasks, such as word processing or image manipulation. Whereas--
Application Software- programs that allow the user to perform specific tasks on a computer such as word processing, playing a game, preparing taxes, browsing the web, and so forth.Application software is a subclass of computer software that employs the capabilities of a computer directly and thoroughly to a task that the user wishes to perform. This should be contrasted with system software which is involved in integrating a computer's various capabilities, but typically does not directly apply them in the performance of tasks that benefit the user. In this context the term application refers to both the application software and its implementation.
