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 a computer’s capacity directly for specific tasks and is used to manipulate text, graphics, and numbers.
Types of Application Software
The different types of application 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 PowerPoint, 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 application software types 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
I. Basic Software Application Types
Following are the software application types:
Word Processing Software: Flexible Tool
If the pen is mightier than the sword, the word processor is even better. Word processors create text-based documents. This set of software tools are most flexible and widely used. Word processors are used for creating memos, faxes and letters. Word processors are also used to create reports and personalized pages on the Web.
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Top 3 Word Processing Softwares: Microsoft Word, Lotus Word Pro and Corel WordPerfect
Word processors provide numerous features making entering, editing and formatting written documents quick and precise.
Basic Features: Word Processing Software
- Word processors have word wrap, which moves the insertion point to the next line when the current line is complete. This saves time and effort.
- This software also offers editing precision and efficiency. Consider the Thesaurus, which provides synonyms, antonyms and related words for chosen word or phrase. The find and replace feature enables users to scan and replace selected words or phrases.
- There are inbuilt spelling and grammar checkers, which make it easy to locate words with spelling issues or capitalization, sentence structure or punctuation problems.
- The autoCorrect feature can be used to make corrections in thrice of a second. AutoText inserts words or sentences into the document at the exact point one wants.
- AutoComplete even ensures the user does not even have to type the complete word to include it in the document.
- If looks matter, can your word processor be far behind? Numerous features within the word processor can improve the format or appearance of any document in seconds. This includes font appearance, font size, character effects such as bold, italic, colours and shadow, alignment and lists.
- Allowing multiple users to edit the same document using a feature called collaboration is another beneficial feature of word processors.
- Another feature is tracking changes, which lets you identify modifications to others’ original document, whereby their changes and comments are visible.
- Word processing software involves the creation of text-based documents that can be stored, edited and formatted with ease.
- Additional word processing features include WordArt to modify titles, hyphens, columns and text boxes for critical information.
- Most word processing software also generates reports and comes equipped with tools to create figure captions, tables, headers, footers, endnotes and more.
- For web pages, word processors include predefined templates, hypertext links and support for Web pages.
Web-Based Applications: The Miracle of Application Service Providers
Application programs were initially owned by organizations or individuals while users are owning and storing applications now using Web-based apps.
How it Works: USP of ASPs
Special web sites referred to as application service providers or ASPs enable users to access their application programs. Access is generally provided for a nominal fee.
Web applications provide a collection of graphic illustrations, including clip art drawings, diagrams and photos. One can also select items or portions of documents that can be removed from one item to another. From handwriting recognition to spelling checker and task panes, templates, and Wizards for specific tasks and voice recognition, web-based applications provide everything needed to make creating documents an easy process.
Precise, error-free content is possible through spelling and grammar checkers.
The ASP downloads or sends across a copy or part of the application onto the user where it is stored in his or her hard disk drive, ready to be run. Copy remains there for some time until the program is run and exited. There are even fee-free ASPs.
Web-Based Applications: Making IT Work Well
Free general purpose applications can be accessed from any point in the globe. Another added benefit? You can access data files from any location. We based applications include notes, calendars and personal information managers, as well as numerous games. Web-based applications may even outperform traditional application software as time goes by. The only drawback? Well, the privacy and security of personal data stored at the ASP is a concern. So is the rapid rate at which the Web changes. But an advantage is that users no longer need to upgrade software on hard disks with the availability of newer versions.
Spreadsheets: Organizing Digits in the Digital World
- Spreadsheets are used to create documents and perform calculations, for example, Excel, Lotus 1-2-3 and more.
- Spreadsheets were initially only used by accountants; now, they are used by marketing professionals, students, teachers and financial analysts.
- The most common spreadsheet programs used include Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Excel and Corel Quattro Pro.
Spreadsheet: IT Figures
- Spreadsheets organize, analyze and chart/graph numerical data such as financial reports and budgets.
- Spreadsheet programs are responsible for manipulating data and creating workbook files comprising one/more related worksheets.
- A worksheet or spreadsheet is a rectangle grid of rows and columns intersecting to create cells.
- Text entries or labels provide a structure to the worksheet through descriptions.
- Numeric entries can be a number or a formula for calculating and processing information; functions are prewritten formulas to perform calculations.
- Spreadsheets involve ranges, text and numeric entries, functions, formulas, charts, calculations and what-if analysis. There are different chart types, including line, pie, column and bar, which form part of the spreadsheet. They also provide other benefits like titles, legends and data labels.
