What is application software? A detailed guide

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Technology has impacted our lives tremendously. People rely on various applications for their day-to-day activities but do not have basic knowledge. So, if you are here to gain a general understanding of what is application software, whether you are a tech-savvy individual or not, then you are at the right place. This article will provide you with the knowledge as well as different examples of applications.

Application software is a set of programs where the user gives the computer a set of specific tasks to execute. In simpler words, when writing a document or making presentations, we make use of MS Word or PowerPoint respectively. But, not many know that these are a few examples of application software. We use these on the computer to perform certain tasks, and the computer programs complete them. One can find this software not only on computers but also on other technological devices. Thus this software brings forth a huge array of functionalities.

What is Application Software?

Going by the exact definition, one uses application software, a computer program designated to perform particular tasks other than the computer operation.

Application software is a set of different computer programs

Types of Application Software with Examples

As the use of computer technology has increased, so has the use of application software. There are numerous types of software that are utilized in a variety of domains and they are healthcare, education, banking, retail, travel, logistics, etc. Choosing the correct software not only saves time, cost, and resources but also increases productivity and helps manage decisions. Hence, knowing the different types of application software can be advantageous. They are classified according to the user functions.

The different types of application software

1. General Application Software

Firstly, these are enabled to perform a wide array of important tasks for the user to perform on a system. There are diverse applications that come under this category, and a few common ones with their examples are as follows –

Word Processing Software

This software aids in formatting, editing, and beautifying written documents, texts, letters, faxes, etc. with ease. However, they also help in keeping your grammar in order using grammar and spell-check options. Google Docs and MS Word are some examples.

Graphics Software

This software enables one to create and edit graphics, images, and illustrations while Adobe, Photoshop, AutoCAD, Canva, CorelDraw, etc. are some examples.

Spreadsheet Software

One can use this software to organize, manage, and systematically perform calculations, and Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, etc. are some examples.

Presentation Software

This software aids you in presenting your ideas in visual format by integrating images, videos, graphs, etc. in the form of slides. Here, Microsoft PowerPoint is one such good software.

Web Browsers

They enable users to access the internet along with providing browsing solutions where Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari are a few web browsers.

Multimedia Software

These tools are used for listening to audio files and songs, for example, Spotify, VLC Media Player, MX Player, Windows Media Player, etc.

Education and Reference Software

They are also called academic software and facilitate learning in the education industry. For Example, Google Earth and NASA Whirlwind.

Simulation Software

This software enables individuals to study or observe a performance through simulation without actually being there. They are generally used in military engineering, machinery testing, robotics, industry training, weather aspects, etc. Software like Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality are soon becoming a trend that creates such simulated environments. MATLAB and PCB software are the best examples of this software.

2. Business Application Software

Secondly, business enterprises have started utilising various computer technologies that perform specific functions and operations. There are various application software used in businesses and thus, help in increasing productivity and net gain of the enterprise.

Customer Relationship Management Software (CRM)

This software works on building the relationship between the organization and the customer by gathering, evaluating, and storing data. Salesforce, Zoho CRM, and Netsuite are some examples.

Enterprise Resource Planning Software (ERP)

This software manages the important aspects of business operations including finance, procurement, risk management, and compliance. Examples of ERP software are Odoo, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, etc.

Project Management

This diverse tool aids in conducting projects by proper planning, scheduling, and allocating resources along with managing costs and budgets. Software like Zoho Projects, Basecamp, and Trello are a few examples.

Business Process Management

This software is used in managing businesses by avoiding errors, miscommunications, and inefficiencies. Zoho Creator, Nintex, Kissflow, etc. are some examples.

Database

This software is used to manage important data of an organization by storing, modifying, extracting, and searching for information from within. Some examples are Oracle, MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, etc.

Resource Management Software

This tool is used in assigning and allocating projects to people. Tools like monday.com, Mavenlink, Forecast, etc. are helpful for human resources.

Productivity

To increase the overall productivity of a business, one can use application software such as Word processing, spreadsheets, and PowerPoint which are a few examples.

Time Management Software

These tools help the workforce to stay focused and productive as well as organized. A few examples are Asana, ClickTime, DeskTime, etc.

Educational Software

This is the tool that is used in the education sector, and that aids in interactive online classrooms as well as the sharing of lessons, and content creation. Google Classroom, TalentLMS, and Litmos are the fewer examples.

3. Custom Developed Application Software

Finally, here is certain application software, designed and built completely, thus catering to the needs of the user or business entity. They not only are flexible and productive but also promise the organization in fulfill their tasks. They are advantageous for long-term business profitability.

Freeware

This software as the name suggests is free of cost and is available to download from the Internet. However, they do have one disadvantage not being able to edit or personalize. Adobe PDF, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome are some examples.

Shareware

Similar to freeware, one can download this one for free from the Internet on a trial basis, however, the user should pay for it if one wants to continue. Winzip, Adobe Acrobat, and SnapTouch are some examples.

Open source

This software is a combination of freeware and shareware, whereas one can edit the software by easily deleting errors or adding features, for example, Moodle and Apache Web Server.

Closed source

Most of the software comes under this category and one needs to purchase them. They do have restricted use, and here are a few examples, Microsoft Windows, Adobe Flash Player, etc.

Benefits of Application Software

People or businesses use the application software for its numerous advantages and they are –

Enhanced productivity
Increased flexibility
Strong data security
Efficient management systems
Improved customer service
Better decision-making process

As said earlier, application software is most beneficial for businesses. Meanwhile, businesses need to expand, and thus, bring forth this by applying the right software. For this, one needs to have a detailed insight into what all goes in. These computer-related systems will influence our personal and business lives in the coming future. For example, Artificial Intelligence (AI), a form of application software, will aid in decision-making and business management all over the world. Therefore, gaining knowledge and practical use of this software is a must for everybody.

Henry Harvin’s IT Management Software and Database course provides the above knowledge. Here, you will get to know how to limit and manage risk followed by the role of a manager in the development of information systems. It also introduces the common database software required in modern organizations, and last but not least the development of important business software applications. IT industry people can pursue this 9-in-1 course.

Conclusion

This concludes our topic where we get to know about the application software which is defined as a set of computer programs to execute specific tasks given by the user. All our day-to-day activities which range from managing and organizing jobs, as well as businesses to entertainment and multimedia apps, use this software. So, with its numerous examples, we get a glimpse of how we rely on technology. The future of application software is bright and it also shows that one can use technology to improve our daily duties. One can gain insight and increase knowledge about the software by enrolling themselves in Henry Harvin’s IT Management Software and Database course where this program will guide you in knowing and selecting which application software suits you.

FAQs

Q1. What is the difference between an application and an app?

Ans. An application is a whole software that has a wide variety of functions to match all types of devices and is developed to cater to personal and business needs. Whereas, an app is just a part of software directed for a specific function that is related to mobile app development.

Q2. How to select the right application software?

Ans. Choosing the right application software for a business not only is beneficial but also an important task. This can be done by prioritizing the business needs and according to the budget in hand selecting the correct software.

Q3. What is the difference between system software and application software?

Ans. System software manages an entire system including OS, BIOS, and drivers. They come installed with the OS and there is no direct communication with the users. On the other hand, application software executes the exact task given by instructing the computer system. They follow direct orders from the users.

Q4. What is the prospect of application software shortly?

Ans. IT companies will develop application software that will let artificial intelligence make decisions that will analyze huge amounts of data altogether, thus, making AI services important in managing businesses.

Q.5. Does Henry Harvin offer certification upon completing the IT Management Software and Database courses?

Ans. Yes. Successful completion of the course will earn you a final certification in IT management software and databases. Henry Harvin’s certification is recognized worldwide and opens the door to many exciting opportunities at home and abroad.