Application Software

Computer software
Defined as a set of programs and procedures that are intended to perform specific tasks on a computer
system. A software program is a set of instructions that are aimed at changing the state of computer
hardware. At the lowest level, software is in the form of an assembly language, a set of instructions in a
machine-understandable form. At the highest level, software is in the form of high-level languages,
which are compiled or interpreted into machine language code.
Major Types of Software

Computer software systems are classified into three main types, namely, system software, programming
software and application software. System software comprises device drivers, operating systems,
servers and other such software components, which help the programmer abstract away from the
memory and hardware features of the system. Programming software assists a programmer in writing
programs by providing him/her with tools such as editors, compilers, linkers, debuggers and more.
Application software, one of the most important types of software, are used to achieve certain specific
tasks.
What is Application Software?

Application software utilizes the capacities of a computer directly for a dedicated task. It is able to
manipulate text, numbers and graphics. It can be in the form of software focused on a certain single task
like word processing, spreadsheets or playing of audio and video files. Here we look at the application
software types along with some examples of the software of each type.
Different Types of Application Software
Word Processing Software

This software enables users to create and edit documents. The most popular examples of this type of
software are MS-Word, WordPad and Notepad among other text editors.
Database Software
Database is a structured collection of data. A computer database relies on database software to organize
data and enable database users to perform database operations. Database software allows users to
store and retrieve data from databases. Examples are Oracle, MSAccess, etc.
Spreadsheet Software
Excel, Lotus 1-2-3 and Apple Numbers are some examples of spreadsheet software. These software
allow users to perform calculations using spreadsheets. They simulate paper worksheets by displaying
multiple cells that make a grid.
Multimedia Software
They allow users to create and play audio and video files. They are capable of playing media files. Audio
converters, audio players, burners, video encoders and decoders are some forms of multimedia
software. Examples of this type include Real Player and Media Player.
Presentation Software
The software that is used to display information in the form of a slide show is known as presentation
software. This type of software includes three functions, namely, editing that allows insertion and
formatting of text, methods to include graphics in the text and a functionality of executing slide shows.
Microsoft PowerPoint is the best example of presentation software.
Enterprise Software
It deals with the needs of organizational processes and data flow. Customer relationship management or
the financial processes in an organization are carried out with the help of enterprise software.
Information Worker Software

Individual projects within a department and with individual needs of creation and management of
information are handled by information worker software. Documentation tools, resource management
tools and personal management systems fall under this category of application software.
Educational Software
It has the capabilities of running tests and tracking progress. It also has the capabilities of a collaborative
software. It is often used in teaching and self-learning. Dictionaries like Britannica and Encarta,
mathematical software like MATLAB and others like Google Earth and NASA World Wind are some of the
well-known names in this category.
Simulation Software
Used to simulate physical or abstract systems, simulation software finds applications in both, research
and entertainment. Flight simulators and scientific simulators are examples of simulation software.
Content Access Software
It is used to access content without editing. Common examples of content

access software are web browsers and media players.
Application Suites
An application suite is an important type of application software. It consists of a group of applications
combined to perform related functions. OpenOffice and Microsoft Office are the best examples of this
type of application software. These application suites, as you know, come as bundles of applications like
word processors, spreadsheets, presentation software, etc. Applications in the suite can work together
or operate on each other's files.
Software that aid Engineering and Development of Products

These software are used in the design and development of hardware and software products. Integrated
development environments (IDE) and computer language editing tools fall under this type of application
software. Interestingly, software products are developed using other software, and software
communicate with one another through software. Application programming interfaces which aid the
communication of two or more software, are examples of this application software type.
Also see: Examples of Application Software.
Application software are available in different forms such as these.
Licensed
A majority of software applications are licensed and not sold. In this case, a user purchases a software
license and not the software itself. The vendor allows for the installation of this software on a specific
number of machines. Sometimes, the license is limited to a certain number of users. Most software
licenses allow you to run the application on only one machine, although you are allowed to copy the
software on other machines for backup purposes. Licenses disallow the resale of software.
Sold
As opposed to licensed software, these software are sold to users. You need to purchase this type of
software from the vendor in which case, you own a legitimate copy of the software. This allows you to
resale the software.
As Freeware
Application software that can be downloaded, used and copied without any restrictions is known as
freeware. Generally small programs are released as freeware and are open for use.
As Shareware
These application software can be downloaded but you need to pay some amount for using them.
Generally, mid-size software developed by software companies are made available as shareware.
Open Source
Open source software, as their name suggests, are made available with their source code. The code is
open for modification and use. People mistake open source software for free. But note that here, 'free'
refers to the freely available source code, thus making the software open for further development by
users.
Needs to be Installed
This is true with many application software; for example spreadsheet software, word processors, data
management software, etc. They need to be installed on your computer hard drive for use.
Runs Online
Antivirus software runs online. Similarly, Internet games that you can play online and which don't need
to be downloaded fall under this category.
Simply put, application software are those designed for specific purposes, or meant for specific
applications. Application software are of great use in completing individual and organizational tasks, as
they have user-friendly features and are easy and interactive to use.

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Application Software

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Computer software

Major Types of Software

What is Application Software?

Different Types of Application Software

Word Processing Software

Information Worker Software

It is used to access content without editing. Common examples of content

Software that aid Engineering and Development of Products

Also see: Examples of Application Software.

Application software are available in different forms such as these.

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