<P> System software, or systems software, is computer software designed to provide a platform to other software . Examples of system software include operating systems, computational science software, game engines, industrial automation, and software as a service applications . </P> <P> In contrast to system software, software that allows users to do things like create text documents, play games, listen to music, or web browsers to surf the web is called application software . </P> <P> The line where the distinction should be drawn is not always clear . Many operating systems bundle application software . Such software is not considered system software when it can be uninstalled usually without affecting the functioning of other software . Exceptions could be e.g. web browsers such as Internet Explorer where Microsoft argued in court that it was system software that could not be uninstalled . Later examples are Chrome OS and Firefox OS where the browser functions as the only user interface and the only way to run programs (and other web browser cannot be installed in their place), then they can well be argued to be (part of) the operating system and hence system software . </P>

Example of operating system software and application software