System Software is the type of software that is the interface

between application software and system. Low-level

languages are used to write the system software. System
Software maintains the system resources and gives the path
for application software to run. An important thing is that
without system software, the system can not run. It is general-
purpose software.

Application Software is the type of software that runs as per

user request. It runs on the platform which is provided by
system software. High-level languages are used to write the
application software. It’s a specific purpose software. The
main difference between System Software and Application
Software is that without system software, the system can not
run on the other hand without application software, the Low-
level maintenance system always runs.

System Software Application software

System Software maintains the Application software is built

system resources and gives the for specific tasks.
path for application software
to run.
Low level language high-level languages are
used to write the application
software.
It is general-purpose software. it’s a specific purpose
software.
Without system software, the without application
system stops and can’t run. software system always
runs.
System software runs when application software runs as
the system is turned on and per the user’s request
stops when the system is
turned off.
Example: System software is Example: Application
an operating system, etc software is Photoshop, VLC
player, etc.
System Software Application software
programming is more complex programming is simpler in
than application software. comparison to system
software.

Software which is designed Set of computer programs

to control, integrate and installed in the user’s system
manage the individual and designed to perform a
hardware components and specific task is known as the
application software is application software.
known as system software.
A system software operates Application software runs in
the system in the background the front end according to the
until the shutdown of the user’s request.
computer.
System software has no Application software
interaction with users. It connects an intermediary
serves as an interface between the user and the
between hardware and the computer
end user.
System software runs Application software is
independently. dependent on system
software because they need
platform for its functioning.

The main function of an operating system (OS)

is to act as an intermediary between computer hardware and
software applications, providing an environment in which
software can run efficiently and hardware resources can be
effectively managed. Here are some of the key functions of an
operating system:

1. **Process Management:** The OS manages processes

(programs in execution) by scheduling them on the CPU,
ensuring fair and efficient allocation of CPU time, and
providing mechanisms for process synchronization,
communication, and termination.

2. **Memory Management:** The OS is responsible for

managing the computer's memory hierarchy, including
allocating memory to processes, managing memory spaces,
and implementing virtual memory techniques to make the best
use of available physical memory.
3. **File System Management:** The OS manages file
storage, organizing and controlling the creation, deletion,
reading, and writing of files. It provides an interface for users
and applications to interact with files and directories.

4. **Device Management:** The OS manages input and

output devices, such as keyboards, mice, displays, printers,
and more. It provides device drivers that facilitate
communication between hardware devices and software
applications.

5. **User Interface:** The OS provides a user interface that

allows users to interact with the computer system. This can be
a command-line interface (CLI) or a graphical user interface
(GUI) that includes windows, icons, menus, and other visual
elements.

6. **Security and Access Control:** The OS implements

security mechanisms to protect the system from unauthorized
access and to ensure data integrity and confidentiality. It
manages user authentication, authorization, and access control
to various system resources.

7. **Networking:** In modern computing environments,

operating systems often include networking functionality,
allowing devices to communicate over local and wide-area
networks. This involves managing network connections,
protocols, and data transmission.
8. **Error Handling and Fault Tolerance:** The OS monitors
the system for errors and provides mechanisms to handle
exceptions, crashes, and faults gracefully. It might include
error messages, debugging tools, and mechanisms to recover
from system failures.

9. **Resource Allocation:** The OS ensures fair and efficient

allocation of hardware resources such as CPU time, memory,
and I/O operations among competing processes and
applications.

10. **System Services:** The OS provides various system

services and utilities that simplify application development,
management, and troubleshooting. These services might
include system libraries, debugging tools, and performance
monitoring utilities.

Overall, the operating system acts as the backbone of a

computer system, managing and coordinating various
hardware and software components to provide a seamless and
productive computing experience for users and applications.
Different types of operating systems, such as Windows,
macOS, Linux, and mobile OSs like Android and iOS, have
their own implementations of these functions tailored to their
respective platforms and use cases.

Software suite
Updated: 11/06/2021 by Computer Hope
A software suite/ Package program a collection of two or
more software titles or programs bundled and sold together.
The programs may have correlative features and functionality,
or they may be completely different, but share a similar
theme.
Example of a software suite
An example of a software suite is Microsoft Office, as it
bundles together multiple programs, including the following.
• Word (word processor)

• Excel (spreadsheet)

• PowerPoint (presentation program)

• Outlook (e-mail client)

There are other software suites available. Examples are listed

below.
• Adobe Creative Cloud suite - includes Adobe

Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, Premiere

Pro, InDesign, and more.
 • Apple iWork suite - includes Pages (word processor),
Numbers (spreadsheet), and Keynote (presentations).
• CorelDRAW Graphics suite - includes multiple graphics

design and editing platforms, and compatibility with

graphics from other programs like Adobe Photoshop.
• Google productivity suite - includes Google Docs (word

processor), Google Sheets (spreadsheet), Google

Slides (presentations), and more.
• OpenOffice suite - includes Writer (word processor),

Calc (spreadsheet), Impress (presentations), and more.

While each program in a software suite differs in
functionality, they are all usually considered productivity
software.
Advantages of a software suite
A software suite provides several advantages for users,
including the following.
• Lower bundled cost compared to buying each program

separately. Some software suites are even free to use,

like the Google productivity and OpenOffice suites.
• Developed by the same company, often providing

synergy and compatibility of some features between the

programs in the suite.
• Similar user interface in each program, reducing the

learning curve and improving familiarity.

• More efficient acquisition process by installing all

programs at once, instead of one at a time.

• May include additional features or add-on programs not

available for purchase separately.

Difference Between DOS, Linux & Windows Operating
System
This article focuses on discussing the differences between the
three different operating systems, DOS, Windows, and
Linux.

DOS: DOS stands for Disk Operating System, which is an

operating system that was popular till 1995 in IBM PCs. It is a
single-tasking OS i.e., it can perform one task at a time. It is
based on a command-line interface where one has to provide
instructions to the computer in the command form. It runs
from hard disks, floppy disks, or any other storage devices
and thus provides an environment for the execution of
programs. It occupies less memory. To use more than 64kb of
memory, memory extenders were used, which older Windows
used to use more memory. It was originally released only to
OEMs(Original Equipment Manufacturers) who added
support for their hardware. It was eventually released to the
public.

Windows: Windows is a product of Microsoft. It is an

operating system with various versions, Windows 10 being
the latest version. It is a Graphics-Based user interface. Users
give commands through clicking or choosing icons and
images with the help of a mouse, keyboard, or touchscreen to
the computer. Windows was originally a DOS extender
running on top of DOS. The Windows 9x family consisting of
Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 98SE, and Windows
ME ran on top of MS-DOS and is capable of running DOS
programs directly. Windows NT was released separately and
is portable, and initially, it was written in C and C++
languages where processor reliability code is separated into
DAL and HLL and was designed to be more secure than DOS
and the Windows 9x family. The Windows NT family
includes Windows NT 3.x,4.x, Windows 2000, Windows XP,
Windows Vista, Windows 7, and so on. Windows is more
reliable than DOS and handles errors with ease due to various
tools available for debugging and error handling.

Linux: Linux is a freely distributed multitasking and multi-

user operating system that behaves like UNIX. It was
originally developed by a Finnish student, LINUS
TORVALDS in 1991. It is the best known and most
commonly used open-source operating system. It is a cross-
platform operating system based on UNIX that can be
installed on PCs and laptops.

Feature DOS Windows LINUX

Developmen Developed by Developed by developed
t Microsoft. Microsoft. by Open
Source
development
License Proprietary = = Open source
Interface It supports a It supports It supports
Text-Based/ Graphical both
Command-line User Interface. Command-
 interface. line
interfaces/Gr
aphical user
Single tasking interfaces.
Multitasking multiple Windows =
processes at the supports
same time? multitasking.=
Distribution DOS was = Linux is
distributed by distributed
Microsoft.= by various
vendors,
such as Red
Hat, Fedora,
etc.
Usage DOS can be Windows can Linux can be
installed on be installed on installed on
standalone PC PC desktops, a wide
desktops or laptops, variety of
laptops. servers, and computer
some mobile hardware,
phones. mobile
phones, and
video game
consoles to
mainframes
and
supercomput
ers.
Customizati Expansions for It is possible One can
on DOS can be to change the rewrite the
downloaded so background code for
 that one can and general Linux so that
customize color schemes it can be
them. and fonts for customized
windows further.
desktops.
Reliability DOS is not Windows is very reliable
very reliable not even and is
because it reliable, with known for
crashes easily it being run for
if a program crashing/needi months or
doesn’t open ng to be even years
properly or a restarted all without
wrong the time. needing to
command is be rebooted.
issued.
Managemen DOS is not Easy to Difficult to
t very easy to manage manage.
manage.
Cost DOS is free of It is not free. Linux is free
charge to to download.
download.

User Support DOS is a Windows is a Linux is a

single-user multi-user multi-user
operating operating operating
system. system.. system.
A compiler is a piece of software that translates high-level
programming language source code into machine code. It
translates code written in one programming language into
another without changing its meaning. Furthermore, the
compiler optimizes the final code for performance and
memory use.

Encoding schemes are used to convert characters we use daily

to machine language. The characters can be emojis, alphabets,
Greek symbols, etc.

ASCII and Unicode are two popular encoding schemes.

ASCII encodes symbols, digits, letters, etc., whereas Unicode
encodes special texts from different languages, letters,
symbols, etc.

It can be said that ASCII is a subset of the Unicode

encoding scheme. Below we will be studying the difference
between Unicode and ASCII.

Conclusion
● Characters such as emojis, complex mathematical
symbols, etc., are mapped to the bits by encoding
schemes such as ASCII and Unicode to be stored in
memory.
 ● ASCII encodes very basic day-to-day characters such as
alphabets, numbers, etc., with its 7 to 8-bit encoding
hence consuming less space.

● Unicode has many formats and thus is a very flexible

encoding scheme that is standardized for operating
systems,.NET frameworks, Java, etc.

● ASCII occupies less space, making it perfect for

electronic communication, such as sending text
messages.

● The difference between Unicode and ASCII is basically

due to the number of bits they use and amount of
characters they can encode.
● ASCII is a subset of Unicode as Unicode represents
many other characters along with characters represented
by ASCII.
Difference Between ASCII And Unicode
Parameter ASCII Unicode

Abbreviation ASCII stands for Unicode stands for

American Standard Universal
Code for Character Set.
Information
Interchange.
Usage ASCII is used for Unicode is
electronic standardized by the
communication IT industry to be
 and in used in encoding
programming and representing
languages such as characters in
HTML. computers.
Characters ASCII is used to Unicode is used to
represented represent English represent a large
Alphabets, digits, number of
some mathematical characters,
symbols(+,-,/ etc.) formulas,
and grammatical mathematical
symbols such as symbols, and texts
punctuation, from different
exclamation, etc. languages such as
Devanagiri, Latin,
Greek, Cyrillic,
Armenian, etc.
Bits used for ASCII only uses 7 Unicode uses four
encoding or 8 bits to type of encoding
represent various formats, i.e, UTF-
characters. 7, UTF-8, UTF-16,
UTF-32 utilising
7,8,16 and 32 bits
respectively.
Memory occupied ASCII uses 7 or 8 Unicode's UTF-8,
bits in encoding; UTF-16, and UTF-
therefore, it 32 encoding
occupies less space schemes use 8, 16,
in memory. and 32 bits,
respectively, thus
consuming more
memory.
First of all i would tell you what are input devices and output
devices?
Input devices- these are the devices used to give the input
signals to the main control. example: keyboard,mouse in
computer, remote controller in television sets, etc.
Output devices- these are those used to display the result of
any kind of activity or input. Example: monitor screen in case
of computer and other led display in case of say calculators.

now hard disk or hard drive is a device that is widely used for
storage purposes. We can say this a intermediate interface of
the input and output signals.
According to the input signal from input devices the required
data i.e. the output signal is send to the output devices.

so hard disk is neither input and nor output device.

It is both an input device and output device as the data

recorded on disk is both read by the computer system and the
result of any computation is generally permanently stored on a
disk. Therefore, we can say that disk are used both for input
and output purposes.

Difference between Hardware and Software

Computer Hardware:
Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer.
Computer Hardware is any part of the computer that we can
touch these parts. These are the primary electronic devices
used to build up the computer. Examples of hardware in a
computer are the Processor, Memory Devices, Monitor,
Printer, Keyboard, Mouse, and the Central Processing Unit.

Computer Software:
Software is a collection of instructions, procedures, and
documentation that performs different tasks on a computer
system. we can say also Computer Software is a programming
code executed on a computer processor. The code can be
machine-level code or the code written for an operating
system. Examples of software are Ms Word, Excel,
PowerPoint, Google Chrome, Photoshop, MySQL, etc.

Parameter Hardware Software

Basic Definition Hardware is a Software is a set

physical part of the of instructions that
computer that tells a computer
causes the exactly what to
processing of data. do.
Development It is t is developed and
manumanufactured engineered.
Dependency Hardware cannot The software can
perform any task not be executed
without software. without hardware.
Process of creating Electronic and Created by
 other materials are utilizing a
used to create computer
hardware. language to write
instructions.
Tangible is a physical Software is
electronic device, intangible as we
that can be touched. can see and also
use the software
but can’t touch
them.
Durability Hardware typically The software does
wears out over not wear out with
time. time. However, it
may contain flaws
and glitches.
Types It has four It is mainly
main categories: divided into
input devices, System software
output devices, and Application
storage, and software.
internal
components.
Virus Effect Hardware is not Software is
affected by affected by
computer viruses. computer viruses.
Transfer place to another It can be
electrically through transferred via a
the network. network means.
Machine Level Only machine-level the program
Language language is known accepts human-
to be understood by readable input,
hardware. interprets it in
machine-level
language, and
sends it to
hardware for
additional
processing.
Replacement If hardware is If the software is
damaged, it is damaged, its
replaced with a new backup copy can
one. be reinstalled.
Failures Dust, overheating, Overloading,
humidity and other systematic error,
factors are major-minor
commonly version error, and
responsible for other factors are
hardware failures. commonly
responsible for
software failures
Example Ex: Keyboard, Ex: MS Word,
Mouse, Monitor, Excel,
Printer, CPU, Hard PowerPoint,
disk, RAM, ROM, Photoshop,
etc. MySQL, etc.

Plug and Play (PnP) is the part of Windows that enables a

computer system to adapt to hardware changes with
minimal intervention by the user. A user can add and remove
devices without having to do manual configuration, and
without knowledge of computer hardware. For example, a
user can dock a portable computer and use the docking station
keyboard, mouse, and monitor without making manual
configuration changes.
PnP requires support from device hardware, system software,
and drivers. Initiatives in the hardware industry define
standards for easy identification of add-in boards and system
components. This Windows Driver Kit (WDK) documentation
focuses on the system software support for PnP and how
drivers use that support to implement PnP.
The system software support for PnP, together with PnP
drivers provides the following:
• Automatic and dynamic recognition of installed

hardware
• Hardware resource allocation (and reallocation)

The PnP manager determines the hardware resources

requested by each device (for example, input/output ports,
interrupt requests, direct memory access channels, and
memory locations) and assigns hardware resources
appropriately. The PnP manager reconfigures resource
assignments when necessary, such as when a new device is
added to the system that requires resources already in use.
Drivers for PnP devices do not assign resources; instead, the
requested resources for a device are identified when the
device is enumerated. The PnP manager retrieves the
requirements for each device during resource allocation.
Resources are not dynamically configurable for legacy
devices, so the PnP manager assigns resources to legacy
devices first.
• Loading of appropriate drivers

• A programming interface for drivers to interact with the

PnP system
The interface includes I/O manager routines, Plug and Play
minor IRPs, required standard driver routines, and information
in the registry.
• Mechanisms for drivers and applications to learn of

changes in the hardware environment and take

appropriate actions
PnP enables drivers and user-mode code to register for, and be
notified of, certain hardware events.
For a driver to qualify as PnP it must provide the required PnP
entry points, handle the required PnP IRPs, and follow PnP
guidelines.

Freeware is a combination of the words free and software, to

mean “free software.” The term, therefore, refers to software
programs that are 100% free of charge. However, it’s not
exactly the same as “free software.”
What Is Freeware?
Freeware means there are no paid licenses required to use
the application, no fees or donations necessary, no
restrictions on how many times you can download or open
the program, and no expiration date.
However, it can still be restrictive in some ways. Free
software, on the other hand, is completely and totally void of
restrictions and allows the user to do absolutely whatever
they want with the program.

Freeware is cost-free software and free software is copyright-

free software. In other words, freeware is software under
copyright but available at no cost; free software is software
with no limitations or constraints, but might not be free in the
sense that there’s no price attached to it.
A freeware application may or may not have its source code
freely available. The program itself does not cost and is
completely usable without charge, but that doesn’t mean that
the program is editable and can be transformed to create
something new, or inspected to learn more about the inner
workings.
Freeware might also be restrictive. For example, one program
might be free only for private use and stop working if it’s
found to be used for commercial purposes, or maybe the
software is restricted in functionality because there’s a paid
edition available that includes more advanced features.
Unlike the rights given to free software users, freeware users’
freedoms are granted by the developer; some developers
might give more or less access to the program than others.
They also might restrict the program from being used in
particular environments, lock down the source code, etc.
CCleaner, Skype, and AOMEI Backupper are examples of
freeware.
What Is Shareware?
Shareware is commercial software that is distributed free to
users, eventually either requiring or encouraging users to pay
for the continued support of the software.
You might see shareware in formats that paywall advanced
features or offer the full package for a limited time. Some
software might even be fully functional and backed solely by
voluntary donations.
It was first introduced in the early 1980s, with its popularity
rising in the 1990s as personal computing moved into the
mainstream in both offices and homes.
The format allows software developers to get their products
into the hands of potential users for a test run, in hopes that
they decide to purchase the fully functional version of the
program.
Shareware is also popular with gamers, as it gives them a
chance to try a new game on a limited basis before purchasing
the full version.
Like other types of software, shareware is not necessarily a
bad thing to avoid at all costs. Many shareware products are
legitimate. But even legitimate products can have weaknesses.
Shareware vs. Freeware
Since there is some overlap, you should understand what
freeware vs shareware is.
Shareware is often confused with freeware, but they have two
distinctly different purposes.
Freeware is copyrighted software that is available at no cost
for unlimited usage. The developer retains all rights to the
program and controls distribution. Users can sometimes
purchase additional services or options.
One good example is introductory antivirus software that
protects your computer at no cost but also offers premium
packages with more sophisticated protection.
With shareware, users are encouraged to share the limited
version of the software to promote larger distribution and
sales.
Note: Shareware is not synonymous with open source
software, which is source code available to anyone with the
software's license. Open-source software is designed to allow
collaborative effort between developers studying the code.
Freeware and shareware do not allow you to make changes to
the programs.
Types of Shareware
The definition of shareware can include many types of
software. However, not all of them are desirable.
Various types of shareware can include:
• Adware: Adware is most often distributed through
freeware software (but there are instances when it is
included in shareware software). It allows the developer
to potentially make money from ads in the program, even
 if users don't purchase the full software.
Unfortunately, adware could also find information on a
computer and share it with advertisers to help them tailor
online ads to specific users. It could even act maliciously
and inject a system with Trojans. Adware is usually
loaded onto a computer undetected.
• Demoware: Also known as “trialware”, this software

provides a demo or trial of the application to users. These

trials are usually timed for a set number of days or limit
the available features. A subset of demoware is
crippleware, which keeps the shareware from performing
vital functions unless the full version is purchased. For
example, crippleware could prevent document printing or
prevent access to a full suite of templates.
• Donationware: Donationware is a fully functional and

operational shareware application, but a donation is

requested to support future development or, in some
cases, to support a charitable cause or nonprofit
organization.
• Nagware: This subset can apply to any shareware that

repeatedly asks the user to pay for a license. This

software might place obnoxious, timed windows to
disrupt your free use. It will continue to remind you until
you pay to eliminate these inconveniences.
• Freemium software: Very common on mobile

platforms, freemium software offers a basic feature-set

for “free” with “premium” upgrades available for a fee.
Rather than being a demo, most freemium apps give
users a complete experience. Power users can pay for
improvements and perks to enhance their experience.
Shareware Security Concerns
Shareware is generally safe, but it is never risk-free.
Malware: Cybercriminals can use shareware to
distribute malware using tactics that are similar to those used
in other socially engineered attacks. Users are fooled into
believing URL links — often in ads — are legitimate. These
deceptive links take them to pages where they download
malware instead of a safe shareware application.
Security vulnerabilities: While all types of software are at
risk of vulnerabilities and flaws that could lead to malicious
attacks, shareware is particularly at risk. Because the
programs aren’t fully licensed, patches and upgrades aren't
available, and that can put a system at risk. This is especially
true when software that is no longer used is left on a
computer.
Sponsored software: Some shareware (and freeware)
applications offer users the chance to download another
application as an additional option. Secondary programs can
help shareware developers earn a commission from each user
download. This funding gives them plenty of incentive to
encourage these downloads. In fact, the box agreeing to it is
often already checked by default, allowing the extra software
to download automatically. Although the software could be
legitimate, this is also a way for scammers to trick users into
unwittingly downloading something malicious.
Enterprise data leaks: Use of shareware in business and
government networks can compound the above risks if
sensitive data gets leaked. Data breaches can result from
hidden spyware trailing alongside shareware apps, or from
poorly managed security in the app itself. Small development
teams can’t always maintain their software with proper
patches. So, organizations might put themselves and their
patrons at risk of unwanted exposure.
How to protect yourself when using Shareware
Shareware is an excellent option for those who want to sample
a piece of software before making an expensive purchase or
who only have a one-time need for a specific application.
However, you’ll want to be sure you’re protecting yourself
with any shareware downloads.
Here are some important tips to keep in mind with your
shareware:
• Ads can be dangerous. Shareware can be further
supported by advertisements, but some of these can be
malicious. Even legitimate software can inadvertently
show ads leading to sites infested with malware. Avoid
clicking ads when possible.
• Bundled software might invite malicious
activity. Sometimes, shareware packs additional
sponsored software into the install. These extra programs
can be adware or other potentially malicious risks. Read
all prompts before advancing your software installation.
Many add-ons require you to opt out, so look for boxes
to uncheck.
• Look out for fraudulent apps; always be sure your
apps are official. Shady apps can attempt to disguise
themselves as popular, reputable apps. They do this by
moving their way to the top of search results — in both
web searches and official app stores. Look for official
websites and app developers. The first result is not
always an authentic one.
• Out-of-date shareware can be a gateway for
malware. Security holes are common and must be
constantly patched in any software. Since shareware
might not have the support needed to discover and fix
security flaws, hackers have the perfect place to plug
 their malware. Avoid using software that has not been
updated in a long time.
• Sites offering downloads need updated security as
well. Users must remember that the sites they download
these programs from also come with some risk. It's
important to make sure sites are legitimate with up-to-
date security before downloading software.
• Cybersecurity software is your failsafe. Safe behavior
is not a replacement for proper antivirus solutions. When
the worst does happen, you’ll want a comprehensive
security suite to keep your devices secure. Products
like Kaspersky Security Cloud offer prevention and
removal of spyware, adware, and many online scams.
These potential dangers not only define shareware but any
downloads you invite into your system. You must remain
vigilant to spot them before they cause harm.