Application Software

What is an 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 also known as end-user software or productivity software.

Each software program is developed to assist users with the 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. Most apps that we see on our smartphones are examples of application software.

Functions of an 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
• Constructing visuals
• Coordinating resources
• Writing reports
• Creating spreadsheets
• Manipulating images
• Keeping records
• Developing websites
• Managing information
• Calculating figures
• Calculating expenses , etc

Examples of Application Software

Microsoft products such as Office, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.

Music Application Software’s 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

• Word Processing Software
• Spreadsheet Software
• Presentation Software
• Multimedia Software
• Web browser software
• Educational Software
• Graphic Software
• Freeware Software
• Shareware Software
• Simulation Software
• Open Source Software
• Closed Source Software

Word Processing Software

Word processing software is used to format, beautify, and manipulate text. Word processing software comes with some features such as change the fonts, colors, and style according to your choice Error checking are also available in it.

Microsoft Word is the best example of a word processing software.

Spreadsheet Software

Spreadsheet software is majorly used to store data in table format and perform calculations. The best example of spreadsheet software is Microsoft Excel.

Presentation Software

Presentation Software can make your slides interactive and informative by adding videos, texts, charts, graphs, and images. The best example of presentation software is Microsoft PowerPoint.

Multimedia Software

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

Web Browser

Web Browser 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.

Educational Software

These types of application software are called academic software as they are particularly designed to facilitate learning. Examples of educational software are EDX, Mind Play, and Kid Pix.

Graphics Software

Graphics Software is used to make changes in visual data, images, and animation. Adobe Photoshop, Unity 3d, and Paint Shop are examples of graphics software.

Freeware

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.

Shareware

Such software’s 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.

Simulation Software

Simulation Software is a monitoring program that allows the user to observe an operation without performing it. It is used widely in engineering, robotics, flight systems, weather forecast, testing, education, and video gaming. MATLAB is the best example of simulation software.

Open-Source software

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.

Closed Source software

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.