An Operating System (OS) is system software that manages hardware resources and provides a platform for other software to run. It controls system operations like memory management, process scheduling, and file handling. Examples include Windows, Linux, and macOS.
An Application is software designed to perform specific tasks for users, such as word processing, gaming, or browsing the web. Applications rely on the OS to function and interact with hardware.
The key difference is scope: the OS is fundamental for the computer’s operation, acting as a bridge between hardware and applications, while applications serve specific user needs within the OS environment.