Difference between a Software Application and an Operating System
Kayja Billups
Professor Davidoff
CGS 1060C
6 January 2015
1. What is the difference between a software application and an operating system?
A computers operating system (OS) is the core of the computer and is more than just software. The OS controls the computer’s memory and processes as well as its hardware and software. It is the brain of the computer. Software applications on the other hand perform a certain task. Ex. Google Chrome provides internet and Adobe allows PDF files to be read (among other things). The OS is what makes all of these applications work successfully and accomplish whatever the application is designed to accomplish.
2. Describe a use for a software applications. You can pick any one you wish.
Microsoft Excel is an electronic spreadsheet. It can be used in several ways for several tasks. Excel is used to manage, store and calculate different types of information. One of the uses for Excel would be keeping track of a company’s warehouse inventory.
3. Describe a use for an operating system. You can pick any one you wish.
Microsoft Windows is the operating system for my PC. It is what allows my PC to turn on when I tell it to turn on. Windows is the brain of my PC. It is what allows all the software applications to work. Windows is what allows me to do and save all my school work to my PC and then submit it to my online class.
4. Give an example of how hardware can influence the operating system and software and vice versa.
Hardware can affect a computers OS and software in several ways. If your keyboard has something stuck under the key it may not allow you to type in the program you are trying to type in. If you restrict airflow to the computer it can cause it to overheat and not work properly or stop working all together. A computers OS and software can also cause problems to the hardware. If you obtain a virus through the internet it can cause permanent damage to your
Professor Davidoff
CGS 1060C
6 January 2015
1. What is the difference between a software application and an operating system?
A computers operating system (OS) is the core of the computer and is more than just software. The OS controls the computer’s memory and processes as well as its hardware and software. It is the brain of the computer. Software applications on the other hand perform a certain task. Ex. Google Chrome provides internet and Adobe allows PDF files to be read (among other things). The OS is what makes all of these applications work successfully and accomplish whatever the application is designed to accomplish.
2. Describe a use for a software applications. You can pick any one you wish.
Microsoft Excel is an electronic spreadsheet. It can be used in several ways for several tasks. Excel is used to manage, store and calculate different types of information. One of the uses for Excel would be keeping track of a company’s warehouse inventory.
3. Describe a use for an operating system. You can pick any one you wish.
Microsoft Windows is the operating system for my PC. It is what allows my PC to turn on when I tell it to turn on. Windows is the brain of my PC. It is what allows all the software applications to work. Windows is what allows me to do and save all my school work to my PC and then submit it to my online class.
4. Give an example of how hardware can influence the operating system and software and vice versa.
Hardware can affect a computers OS and software in several ways. If your keyboard has something stuck under the key it may not allow you to type in the program you are trying to type in. If you restrict airflow to the computer it can cause it to overheat and not work properly or stop working all together. A computers OS and software can also cause problems to the hardware. If you obtain a virus through the internet it can cause permanent damage to your