The two main types of software are system software and application software.

System software is a type of computer program designed to run a computer's hardware and application programs. System software coordinates the activities and functions of the hardware and software. In addition, it controls the operations of the computer hardware and provides an environment or platform for all the other types of software to work in. The best-known example of system software is the operating system (OS), which manages all the other programs in a computer.

Application software is a computer software package that performs a specific function for an end user or, in some instances, for another application. An application can be self-contained or a group of programs. The program is a set of operations that runs the application for the user. Applications use the computer's OS and other supporting programs, typically system software, to function. Application software is different than other software that might come pre-bundled with a computer's operating system, such as a utility.