Difference between device and system

The terms apparatus and system are two different words that are often used interchangeably on countless occasions because people associate and use them incorrectly.

To start, both the word apparatus and system have unequal meanings and characteristicsTherefore, it is necessary to state what their main differences are and how they should be used correctly.

Etymology and meaning

The first major difference between apparatus and system has to do with their etymology.

Apparatus is a word that derives from Latin apparātus, and can be used correctly in a variety of areas, so it can be confusing at times.

However, its main meaning refers to a set of organized elements that have a specific function.

When a device is mentioned, it can be both electronic and social, political or economic. This will depend on the type of device in question.

Devices that work through electrical energy are also called apparatus. For example, a kitchen utensil, a dishwasher, among others.

System, for its part, derives from the Latin

systēma, and means "set" or "meeting". Therefore, the system is called set of rules or elements that are related to each other for the same function.

A system is also understood as the set of things that are related according to the same objective.

Synonyms of apparatus and system

Some synonyms that can be used to substitute or indicate the word apparatus They are: machine, instrument, utensil, device or mechanism.

As a synonym for the word system can be used: method, procedure, technique, organization, structure, among others.

By the elements they gather

An apparatus is made up of a set of elements that have a specific purpose and function. However, an apparatus can be quite complex when it is composed of more than two systems.

As to a system, this It can be made up of various elements related to each other and with the same objective as in the case of a mathematical equation, a musical composition or in human anatomy when mention is made of a set of tissues that are part of a system.

Regarding its function

The devices can be composed of different systems, therefore, sometimes the devices fulfill a large set of specific functions linked to complete an activity or objective.

Consequently, the devices can group various systems that are related according to their function and for the same purpose.

The systems, meanwhile, cumplen with stipulated norms or rules that contain the same purpose or objective and that must be carried out through a process.

In consecuense, systems can be part of a device or simply work together with other systems, but each with a specific objective. The systems are not made up of other minor systems.

According to the techniques used

The devicesare composed of a set of systems that perform a series of tasks that are those that make a piece of equipment or electronic device work, such as a mobile phone.

In this case, the mobile phone is a device that has several functions thanks to the various audio, video, telephony, storage systems, among others, that it has.

For its part, systems are built in order to perform a task specifically following a predetermined order and rules.

For example, computers are made up of various systems which allow the user to edit images, content, generate files, among others.

Purpose of the device and the system

The devices They have a greater purpose thanks to the fact that they are composed of different systems that, together, are arranged to achieve the same objective and fulfill a function.

Now, the purpose of the systems it varies according to how they are generated and their structures. However, its objectives are less than those of a device but no less important or necessary.

If we refer to the systems that living beings possess, we would be referring to a set of complex systems whose purposes are extremely important for the proper functioning of the systems around it and other devices, such as the digestive system.

Now, if we refer to computerized systems, these will vary in terms of their function depending on their usefulness and need in the areas where they must be applied.