Why can't an end user just load an application program into a computer and start computing without an operating system?

Answer 1

Software is a product. Its development and maintenance cost considerable amounts to keep that application bug free and fit for purpose. The developing companies invest huge sums marketing etc and to ensure that their product is not copied and passed on lock it with a code (key). The people that freely pass around software with access codes and keep the original are in breach of copyright and are also stealing the software as its not purchased. Many companies have a basic rule of thumb that some software can be placed on to another machine BUT only if the first machine is not using the software at the same time. Case of this is a package used in the office with copy at home. Therefore one or other in use but not together. If there is a need for both to be active then a separate licence is required. The police would not let you use you car tax on your car and loan that to a friend when they want to go shopping....

Some companies allow freeware in to the public domain - This may have a registration but it can be re-registed if passed to another person by that new owner. Software is like any other commodity - its there to make profit.

Answer 2

First of all sir! A computer is a non-biological being. So it cannot and will not run.

Hardware is the stuff that does the work, the software is the work itself. Imagine that a computer is like a company. If the company has workers (hardware) but it has nothing to do (software) with the workers then the company cannot really do anything.