APPLICATION SOFTWARE

 

What is Application Software?

Application Software is a type of computer program that performs specific functions. These functions, performed by application software, can be personal, business as well as educational. Thus, application Software is also known as end-user software or productivity software.

Each software program is developed to assist users with the particular process related to productivity, efficiency, and communication. Unlike System Software, Application Software is specific for its functionality and completes the task that they are developed to do. The majority of apps that we see on our smartphones are examples of application software.

Functions of Application Software

Application Software Programs are developed to execute a large variety of roles. The functions are not limited to but depend upon the user’s need. Some of the most common functions of application software are

• Manipulating data
• Managing information
• Calculating figures
• Constructing visuals
• Coordinating resources
• Writing reports
• Creating spreadsheets
• Manipulating images
• Keeping records
• Developing websites
• Calculating expenses

Examples of Application Software

The most common examples of application software are the computer programs that we used in our everyday life. This application software includes:

• Microsoft products such as Office, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
• Music Application Softwares like Pandora and Spotify
• Real-time online communication like Skype, Google Meet, and Zoom
• Team collaboration software like Slack
• Internet browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Firefox
• Multimedia Software like MX Player and VLC Media Player

Almost every other application that you are using is an example of application software.

Types of Application Software

The type of application software you require to use depends upon your needs. Here is the list of application software, or you can say types of application software.

1. Word Processing Software

Word processing software is used to format, beautify, and manipulate text. It allows features such as synonyms and antonyms. You can change the fonts, colors, and style according to your choice with the word art feature. Error checking as well as grammar and spell checking options are also available in it. Microsoft Word is the best example of a word processing software.

2. Spreadsheet Software

Spreadsheet software is majorly used to store data in table format and perform calculations. Intersecting cells are given in a spreadsheet to keep various data fields such as time, date, text, and numbers. Users can perform calculations with formulas and functions. The best example of spreadsheet software is Microsoft Excel.

3. Presentation Software

Presentation Software lets you put forth your thoughts and ideas in a piece of visual information. Then, you can present that information in the form of slides. You can make your slides interactive and informative by adding videos, texts, charts, graphs, and images. The best example of presentation software is Microsoft PowerPoint.

4. Multimedia Software

Multimedia Software lets you create or record videos, audio, and image files. Such app software is used in video editing, graphics, and animations. Common examples of multimedia software are VLC player, MX Player, and Windows Media Player.

5. Web Browsers

These software applications are used to browse on the internet. They let you locate and retrieve data from the web. The most popular web browsers are Chrome and Firefox.

6. Educational Software

These types of application software are called academic software as they are particularly designed to facilitate learning. All different kinds of tutorial software are included in it. Examples of educational software are EDX, MindPlay, and Kid Pix.

7. Graphics Software

Graphics Software is used to make changes in visual data, images, and animation. It comprises different editorial software.  Adobe Photoshop, Unity 3d, and PaintShop are examples of graphics software.

8. Freeware

As you can guess from the name, this type of software is available free of cost. Therefore, you can download and install them for free. However, you are not allowed to make any change in its source code. Skype is an example of freeware software.

9. Shareware

Such softwares are distributed to the users on a trial basis. Then, if the users like it and want to continue, they have to pay for that software. An example of shareware software is Winzip.

10. Simulation Software

Simulation Software is a monitoring program that allows the user to observe an operation without performing it. Such software is useful when the existing system’s work is not highly accurate, predictable, or dangerous. It is used widely in engineering, robotics, flight systems, weather forecast, testing, education, and video gaming. MATLAB is the best example of simulation software.

11. Open Source

Open Source software is available with a source code and rights for anyone to inspect, modify and enhance it. Moreover, most open-source software is available for free, while very few are paid ones at such a conditional level.

12. Closed Source

Closed Source software is precisely the opposite to open-source software. They are paid software and have intellectual property rights or patient over source code. It usually comes with some restrictions as well as terms and conditions.