System software and application software together make a system useful to the end user. A system cannot run without system software. In other words, it is compulsory for making the system run.

Typical examples of software applications are word processors, spreadsheets, and media players. Multiple applications bundled together as a package are sometimes referred to as an application suite.

Software is computer code that tells a computer how to perform a specific task. Software can include operating systems, applications, and malware.