Computer software is basically programs and procedures intended to perform specific tasks on a system. From the lowest level assembly language to the high level languages, there are different types of application software. Computer software systems are classified into three major types namely system software, programming software and application software.
While system software comprises device drivers, OS, servers and software components, programming software helps in writing programs through tools such as editors, linkers, debuggers, compilers/interpreters and ore. Application software , in contrast to these two, is used for attaining specific tasks.
Application software uses the capacity of a computer directly for specific tasks and are used to manipulate text, graphics and numbers.
The different types of application system software include the following:
| Application Software Type | Examples |
| Word processing software | MS Word, WordPad and Notepad |
| Database software | Oracle, MS Access etc |
| Spreadsheet software | Apple Numbers, Microsoft Excel |
| Multimedia software | Real Player, Media Player |
| Presentation Software | Microsoft Power Point, Keynotes |
| Enterprise Software | Customer relationship management system |
| Information Worker Software | Documentation tools, resource management tools |
| Educational Software | Dictionaries: Encarta, BritannicaMathematical: MATLABOthers: Google Earth, NASA World Wind |
| Simulation Software | Flight and scientific simulators |
| Content Access Software | Accessing content through media players, web browsers |
| Application Suites | OpenOffice, Microsoft Office |
| Software for Engineering and Product Development | IDE or Integrated Development Environments |
There are various different types of application software such as licensed, sold, freeware, shareware,and open source.
Application software’s either need to be installed or can run online. Application software’s can also be distinguished on the basis of usage into the following:
- Utility programs
- Generic programs
- Integrated programs
- Specific software
- Bespoke software
- Word processing software
- Desktop publishing software
- Spreadsheet software
- Database software
- Presentation software
- Internet Browsers
- Email Programs
- Graphic Programs (Pixel based)
- Graphic Programs (vector based)
- Communication software: Communication through audio, video or chat based means
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