Lesson Notes — System Software vs Application Software vs Utility Software

Course 1: Computer Literacy / Unit 2: PC Hardware & System Architecture / Lesson 3: System Software vs Application Software vs Utility Software

Lesson overview

All the software on a computer falls into a few groups. Sorting it helps you understand what each program is for and which ones you can safely remove or leave alone.

The types of software

• System software runs the computer itself. The operating system (such as Windows, macOS, or ChromeOS) is the main example. It manages the hardware, runs other programs, and provides the screen you use. A driver is system software that lets the operating system talk to a device such as a printer. Firmware is system software stored on a hardware chip.
• Application software helps you do a task, such as writing a paper, browsing the web, editing a photo, or playing a game.
• Utility software maintains and protects the computer. Examples are antivirus programs, compression tools that shrink files into a zip, a defragmenter that rearranges files on a hard disk drive, and the Task Manager that shows which programs are running and lets you close one that has frozen.
• Programming software is the fourth type. It includes the tools programmers use to write and test code, such as code editors and compilers.

How they work together

When you open a word processor, the operating system finds it on storage, loads it into RAM, and gives it screen space. The application does the writing work. A utility such as antivirus watches in the background. A driver makes sure the printer understands your document when you click Print.

Sort it out

Check your understanding

1. What does an operating system do, and why does every computer need one?
2. Is Task Manager an application or a utility? Explain.
3. Draw a three-circle Venn diagram of system, application, and utility software and place five programs you use.

Use this lesson’s Key Terms page to build your glossary.