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IGCSE · Practice questions · System software and application software

Computer or user?

Six original Cambridge-style questions on system software and application software, with mark-scheme solutions.

Original questions All questions on this page are original work, written in the Cambridge IGCSE style. They are not from past papers. They test the same concepts and skills the syllabus rewards.
Keep these straight

Ask who it serves.

01
Explain
[2 marks]

Describe the difference between system software and application software.

  • System software provides the services that the computer requires (for example the operating system, utilities). ✓
  • Application software provides the services that the user requires to carry out a task. ✓
02
Recall
[2 marks]

Give two examples of system software.

  • Operating system. ✓
  • A utility such as anti-virus, back-up software, disk defragmenter or a device driver. ✓
03
Recall
[2 marks]

Give two examples of application software and state the task each one carries out.

  • Word processor: writing and formatting documents. ✓
  • Spreadsheet / web browser / photo editor with a matching task. ✓
04
Apply
[4 marks]

State whether each program is system software or application software: (a) web browser (b) anti-virus (c) operating system (d) presentation software.

  • (a) Application. ✓
  • (b) System. ✓
  • (c) System. ✓
  • (d) Application. ✓
05
Explain
[2 marks]

Explain why anti-virus software is classed as system software.

  • It is a utility that protects the computer. ✓
  • It provides a service the computer requires (keeping it free of malware) rather than carrying out a user's task. ✓
06
Analysis
[2 marks]

A student says: "A web browser is system software because every computer has one." Explain why the student is wrong.

  • Whether software is system or application depends on whom it serves, not how common it is. ✓
  • A browser lets the user find and view web pages, a user task, so it is application software. ✓

Mark this once you have attempted all six and checked your working. It records a Practiced badge on the topic and adds a one-time bonus. Revealing the solutions alone does not count.