INTRODUCTION

Computer software is the set of instructions and data that tells a computer what to do and how to
do it. Software provides instructions to your computers hardware. Without it, your PC or Mac
would be little more than a large paperweight. But software actually comes in three main types:
system software , programming software and application software. System software includes all
the stuff that make up a computer's operating system (OS), including device drivers,
configuration files and other key system components. This is the software that tells the
computers hardware what to do and provides a foundation for the system. Programming
software, or middleware, works much like the plumbing in your home by invisibly keeping
things running behind the scenes. Application software, however, is the most important type for
computer users because it is used to achieve many of the tasks that make us turn to our
computers in the first place, such as word processing, Web browsing and data crunching.
Application software applies the power of system software. This is why when downloading
software, you have to find a version that fits with your running operating system (OS). In
essence, that software draws on the OS to create a Word document, spreadsheet or PowerPoint
presentation. An application program (app or application for short) is a computer program
designed to perform a group of coordinated functions, tasks, or activities for the benefit of the
user. Examples of an application include a word processor, a spreadsheet, an accounting
application, a web browser, a media player, an aeronautical flight simulator, a console game or a
photo editor. The collective noun application software refers to all applications collectively. This
contrasts with system software, which is mainly involved with running the computer.
Applications may be bundled with the computer and its system software or published separately,
and may be coded as proprietary, open source or university projects . Application software is a
program or group of programs designed for end users. These programs are divided into two
classes: system software and application software. While system software consists of low-level
programs that interact with computers at a basic level, application software resides above system
software and includes database programs, word processors, spreadsheets, etc. Application
software may be grouped along with system software or published alone. Application software
may simply be referred to as an application. An application is any program, or group of
programs, that is designed for the end user. Application software can be divided into two general
classes: systems software and applications software. Applications software (also called end-user
programs) include such things as database programs, word processors ,Web browsers and

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spreadsheets. Application software, or simply applications, are often called productivity
programs or end-user programs because they enable the user to complete tasks such as creating
documents, spreadsheets, databases, and publications, doing online research, sending email,
designing graphics, running businesses, and even playing games! Application software is specific
to the task it is designed for and can be as simple as a calculator application or as complex as a
word processing application. When you begin creating a document, the word processing software
has already set the margins, font style and size, and the line spacing for you. But you can change
these settings, and you have many more formatting options available. For example, the word
processor application makes it easy to add color, headings, and pictures or delete, copy, move,
and change the document's appearance to suit your needs. Microsoft Word is a popular word-
processing application that is included in the software suite of applications called Microsoft
Office. A software suite is a group of software applications with related functionality. For
example, office software suites might include word processing, spreadsheet, database,
presentation, and email applications. Graphics suites such as Adobe Creative Suite include
applications for creating and editing images, while Sony Audio Master Suite is used for audio
production.

FUNCTIONS OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE

The function of application software is to perform specific operations for various applications.
These functions include writing reports, creating spreadsheets, manipulating images, keeping
records, developing websites and calculating expenses. Examples of application software include
Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and desktop publishing applications. Depending on the specific
application software being used, the function of the software varies from manipulating text,
images, numbers and graphics to creating presentations and personal websites. Some application
software packages concentrate on a single, specific task, such as word processing and
presentation creation. There are also application packages that focus on multiple tasks, such as
database software and web design. Primary function is to apply the power of the computer to
give individuals, work groups, and the entire enterprise the ability to solve problems and perform
specific tasks.

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 CLASSIFICATION

There are many different ways to divide types of application software, and several are explained
here :
Since the development and near-universal adaptation of the web, an important distinction that
has emerged has been between web applications written with HTML, Java Script and other
web native technologies and typically requiring one to be online and running a web browser ,
and the more traditional native applications written in whatever languages are available for one's
particular type of computer. There has been contentious debate in the computing community
regarding web applications replacing native applications for many purposes, especially on
mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets. Web apps have indeed greatly increased in
popularity for some uses, but the advantages of applications make them unlikely to disappear
soon, if ever. Furthermore, the two can be complementary, and even integrated. Application
software can also be seen as being either horizontal or vertical. Horizontal applications are more
popular and widespread, because they are general purpose, for example word processors or
databases. Vertical applications are niche products, design for a particular types of industry or
business, or department within an organization. Integrated suites of software will try to handle
every specified aspect possible of ,for example, manufacturing or banking systems of
accounting, or customer services.

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 TYPES OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE

Word Processing Software :

Word processing is the phrase used to describe using a computer to create, edit, and print
documents. Of all computer applications, word processing is the most common. To perform word
processing, you need a computer, a special program called a word processor, and a printer. A
word processor enables you to create a document, store it electronically on a disk, display it on a
screen, modify it by entering commands and characters from the keyboard, and print it on a
printer. Allows users to create, edit a document. Example: MS Word, Word Pad etc. A word
processor is an electronic device or computer software application, that performs the task of
composition, editing, formatting, and sometimes printing of documents. The word processor was
a stand-alone office machine in the 1960s, combining the keyboard text-entry and printing
functions of an electric typewriter, with a recording unit, either tape or floppy disk with a simple
dedicated computer processor for the editing of text. Although features and designs varied among
manufacturers and models, and new features were added as technology advanced, word
processors typically featured monochrome display and the ability to save documents on memory
cards or diskettes. Word processing was one of the earliest applications for the personal computer
in office productivity and was the most popular application on home and personal computers
until the World Wide Web rose to prominence in the mid-1990s. A word processor is a computer
program that provides special capabilities beyond that of a text editor such as the WordPad
program that comes as part of Microsoft's Windows operating systems. The term originated to
distinguish text building programs that were "easy to use" from conventional text editors, and to
suggest that the program was more than just an "editor." An early user of this term was Wang,
which made a popular workstation system designed especially for secretaries and anyone else
who created business letters and other documents.

Word processing software incorporates basic functions such as :

Mail Merge :

Mail merge is a powerful feature of word processing software. If you need to create numerous
documents that are similar but require at least a modicum of personalization, learning to use the
mail merge feature in word processing will save you a lot of time.
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 Drop Cap :

Drop cap allows you to offset the first letter of the sentences or paragraph. It is basically the first
letter of the first word of a paragraph displayed in large font which can add a touch o style or
class to a document.

MicrosoftEquation:

The Microsoft Equation is a tool in Microsoft word that will allow you to easily create complex
equation on your computer. When you create an equation, it becomes embedded in the word
document.

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 Spreadsheet Software :
Spreadsheet is a table of data arranged in columns and rows often used in business and financial
applications. Spreadsheet software programs are widely used computer applications that allow
the user to organize large amounts of data. A spreadsheet is an interactive computer software for
organization, analysis and storage of data in tabular form. Spreadsheets are developed as
computerized simulations of paper accounting worksheets. The program operates on data
represented as cells of an array, organized in rows and columns. Each cell of the array may
contain either numeric or text data, or the results of formulas that automatically calculate and
display a value based on the contents of other cells. Spreadsheet users may adjust any stored
value and observe the effects on calculated values. This makes the spreadsheet useful for "what-
if" analysis since many cases can be rapidly investigated without manual recalculation. Modern
spreadsheet software can have multiple interacting sheets, and can display data either as text and
numerals, or in graphical form. A spreadsheet is a sheet of paper that shows accounting or other
data in rows and columns; a spreadsheet is also a computer application software that simulates a
physical spreadsheet by capturing, displaying, and manipulating data arranged in rows and
columns. The spreadsheet is one of the most popular uses of the personal computer. In a
spreadsheet, spaces that hold items of data are called cells. Each cell is labeled according to its
placement (for example, A1, A2, A3...) and may have an absolute or relative reference to the
cells around it. A spreadsheet is generally designed to hold numerical data and short text strings.
Spreadsheets usually provide the ability to portray data relationships graphically. Spreadsheets
generally do not offer the ability to structure and label data items as fully as a database and
usually do not offer the ability to query the database. In general, a spreadsheet is a much simpler
program than a database program. Allows users to create document and perform calculation.
Example: Excel, Lotus1-2-3 etc..

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 Database Software :
Database software is the phrase used to describe any software that is designed for creating
databases and managing the information stored in them. Sometimes referred to as database
management systems (DBMS), database software tools are primarily used for storing, modifying,
extracting, and searching for information within a database. Database software is used for a
number of reasons in any industry - from keeping your bookkeeping on task, compiling client
lists to running your online Web site. Because they have so many uses, there are dozens of
database software programs available. The options have gone beyond Oracle or Microsoft Access
to encompass FileMaker, Avanquest and Delicious Monster Software for options tailored to a
variety of needs. Some of the more popular database software applications include desktop
solutions like Microsoft Access and FileMaker Pro and server solutions like MySQL, Microsoft
SQL Server and Oracle. A database program is the heart of a business information system and
provides file creation, data entry, update, query and reporting functions. The traditional term for
database software is "database management system" (DBMS). Database software is a software
program or utility used for creating, editing and maintaining database files and records. This type
of software allows users to store data in the form of structured fields, tables and columns, which
can then be retrieved directly and/or through programmatic access.
Database software is also known as database management software (DBMS), although these
terms are not exact synonyms. Allows users to store and retrieve vast amount of data. Example:
MS Access, MySQL, Oracle etc.

Examples of databse application :

Calendar Management Application
Client Tracking Application
Contract Management Application
Task Tracking Application

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 Presentation Graphic Software :
A presentation program is a software package used to display information in the form of a slide
show. It has three major functions: an editor that allows text to be inserted and formatted, a
method for inserting and manipulating graphic images, and a slide-show system to display the
content. Presentation software (sometimes called "presentation graphics") is a category of
application program used to create sequences of words and pictures that tell a story or help
support a speech or public presentation of information. Presentation software can be divided into
business presentation software and more general multimedia authoring tools, with some products
having characteristics of both. Business presentation software emphasizes ease- and quickness-
of-learning and use. Multimedia authoring software enables you to create a more sophisticated
presentation that includes audio and video sequences. Business presentation software usually
enables you to include images and sometimes audio and video developed with other tools. A type
of business software that enables users to create highly stylized images for slide shows and
reports. The software includes functions for creating various types of charts and graphs and for
inserting text in a variety of fonts. Most systems enable you to import data from a spreadsheet
application to create the charts and graphs. Presentation graphics is often called business
graphics. Allows users to create visual presentation. Example: MS Power Point.

Examples of Presentation Graphic Programs :

Open Office Impress
Corel Presentations
Microsoft Presentation

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 Enterprise Software :
Enterprise software, also known as enterprise application software (EAS), is computer software
used to satisfy the needs of an organization rather than individual users. Such organizations
would include businesses, schools, interest-based user groups, clubs, charities, or governments.
Enterprise software describes a collection of computer programs with common business
applications, tools for modeling how the entire organization works, and development tools for
building applications unique to the organization. The software is intended to solve an enterprise-
wide problem, rather than a departmental problem. Enterprise level software aims to improve the
enterprise's productivity and efficiency by providing business logic business support
functionality. According to Martin Fowler "Enterprise applications are about the display,
manipulation, and storage of large amounts of often complex data and the support or automation
of business processes with that data." Enterprise software is an over-arching term for any
software used in large organizations (whether business or government). It is considered to be an
essential part of a computer-based information system, and it provides business-oriented tools
such as online payment processing and automated billing systems. Enterprise software is also
referred to as enterprise application software.
The main goal behind enterprise software is to improve enterprise productivity and efficiency
through business logic support functionality. Enterprise software performs business functions
including order processing, accounting and customer relationship management. An enterprise
application is the phrase used to describe applications (or software) that a business would use to
assist the organization in solving enterprise problems. When the word "enterprise is combined
with "application," it usually refers to a software platform that is too large and too complex for
individual or small business use. It deals with the needs of organizational processes and data
flow. Customer relationship management or the financial processes in an organization are carried
out with the help of enterprise software.

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 Information Worker Software :
Information worker software lets users create and manage information, often for individual
projects within a department, in contrast to enterprise management. Examples include time
management, resource management, documentation tools, analytical, and collaborative. Word
processors, spreadsheets, email and blog clients, personal information system, and individual
media editors may aid in multiple information worker tasks. Individual projects within a
department and with individual needs of creation and management of information are handled by
information worker software. Documentation tools, resource management tools and personal
management systems fall under this category of application software. An Information Worker is a
person who uses information to assist in making decisions or taking actions, or a person who
creates information that informs the decisions or actions of others. Enterprise software addresses
the needs of organization processes and data flow , often in large distributed environment.
Departmental software is a sub-type of enterprise software with a focus on smaller organization .
Enterprise software provides common capabilities needed to support enterprise software systems.
Information worker software lets users create and manage information, often to individual
projects within a department , in contrast to enterprise management. Examples includes time
management, resources management, documentation tools, analytical, and collaborative. Word
processors, spreadsheets, email and blog clients, personal information system, and individual
media editors may aid in multiple information worker tasks.

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 Education Software :
Educational software is computer software, the primary purpose of which is teaching or self
learning. It has the capabilities of running tests and tracking progress. It also has the capabilities
of a collaborative software. It is often used in teaching and self-learning. Dictionaries like
Britannica and Encarta, mathematical software like MATLAB and others like Google Earth and
NASA World Wind are some of the well-known names in this category. Educational software can
refer to most educational technologies, i.e. all software designed or used to facilitate teaching
and learning. Educational software can refer in more narrow sense to software whose primary
purpose is either technology enhanced classroom teaching or self-learning of contents,
e.g.:
CBT software and Web-based training (WBT)
Computer based learning environments like microworlds, computer simulations and
Hypertext systems.
Cognitive tools

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 LIST OF SOFTWARE CATEGORIES

Computer software can be put into categories based on common function, type, or field of use.

There are three broad classifications :

Application is the general designation of computer programs for performing tasks. Application
software may be general purpose (word processing, web browsers,...) or have a specific purpose
(accounting, truck scheduling, ..) Application software contrast with system software.
System software is a generic term referring to the computer programs used to start and run
computer systems including diverse application software and networks.
Computer programming tools, such as compilers and linker, are used to translate and combine
computer program source code and libraries into executable RAMs (programs that will belong to
one of the three said.

Application software :

Application software
Free application software
Astrology software
Business software
Chemical engineering software
Software for children
Communication software
Computer-aided manufacturing software
Data management software
Desktop widgets
Editing software
Educational software
Entertainment software
Genealogy software
Government software
Graphics software
Industrial software
Knowledge representation software
Language software
Legal software
Library and information science software
Mobile applications
Multimedia software
Music software
Personal information managers
Computer programming tools
Religious software
Science software

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 Simulation software
Spreadsheet software
Stagecraft software
Application software suites
Transport software
Digital typography
Video games
Video software
Word processors
Workflow software

Application Software are also referred to as lun.

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 GENERAL PURPOSE SOFTWARE
A general purpose application, sometimes known as off-the-shelf is the sort of software that
you use at home and school. Examples include word processors, spreadsheets, databases, desktop
publishing packages, graphics packages etc. This type of software tries to be a jack-of-all-
trades. It provides many features that the majority of users will want e.g. formatting text,
creating charts, organizing tables. But it does try to be all things to all people and so there will
be a vast number of features that you may never use e.g. statistical functions, mail merge. This
makes the storage size of these applications fairly large.
There are several good reasons for using general purpose software:
It is relatively cheap
It is easily available from most computer shops
It will have been thoroughly tested so there wont be any serious problems or bugs
There will be lots of user support i.e. books, user guides, online help and discussion
forums on the Internet
Also referred to as generic programs, a general-purpose software is designed for the general use
of ordinary computer users. The software is popular and is most commonly used in schools,
colleges, hospitals, businesses, industries and other commercial centers.
Examples of general purpose software are spreadsheets, data processors, desktop publishing
software, databases and statistics applications. Other software includes bookkeeping software,
communication packages, Web-design packages, and graphics and drawing software. Microsoft
Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Access and Microsoft Outlook are
examples of general purpose software. One of the biggest advantages of this type of software is
that, unlike specialized software, it is cheap and easily available from most local computer
software shops. The fact that the software has been used for a long time means developers update
it from time to time. For example, modern data processors are more improved than those used a
decade ago. Another benefit is that general purpose software comes with support for the user in
terms of guides, books, online help and user discussion platforms on the Internet. Utility
software includes computer backup programs, anti-virus programs and disk checkers. The
software is customized to perform certain duties of a specific company. They are produced where
general purpose software cannot do the functions desired by a particular company.

Examples of use :
Word processing application - writing reports, memos, letters to customers Spreadsheet
application - keeping simple company accounts, calculating employee commission payments,
simple stock control system, modeling Database application - keeping customer records, sales
records, appointments system Desktop publishing application - creating leaflets, posters,
business cards Presentation software - creating presentations to show to customers or staff
Graphics application - manipulating images that can be used at home, school or a business Web
design application - creating personal or business websites.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF APPLICATION
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 SOFTWARE

Application software is responsible for the efficient functionality of computing devices. The
advantages and disadvantages of application software are enlisted in the article below.

Our computers and mobile devices are all loaded with all kinds of software, and each software
has a different purpose to fulfill. It is important to first understand the differences between
application software and system software. System software is the programming and the coding
that is utilized by the various components in the device to communicate with each other. There
are millions of commands and instructions that are transferred from one component to another
with every passing second, and the system software enables this flow of communication.
Additionally, the person using the device does not directly interact with or use the system
software, since it is all happening inside the device itself. On the other hand, application software
is that which is used directly by the user for the sole purpose of completing a certain task. This
type of software needs to be installed separately on a device, and it regularly has interfaces that
enables communication between the machine and the user, hence giving rise to many different
advantages and disadvantages. For instance, consider a program that allows you to work with
databases. This is a software that is used for a specific application, so it falls under this category.
It is universally assumed that they have many advantages, and you will be hard pressed to find
disadvantages for the same because ultimately, the purpose of all these devices is to perform
many tasks with their help.

Common Types of Application Software

The different types of application software are used by individual users and business enterprises
as well, and they have many benefits of doing so. This includes word processing software,
database software, multimedia software, editing software, and many other different kinds as well.
All these software are either provided individually, or they are packaged together and sold by
business to business sellers. When a whole variety of them are integrated collectively and sold to
a business, they can take up the form of enterprise software, educational software, simulation
software, information worker software .

Advantages :

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When you begin to compare, you will find that the pros outweigh the cons very easily. With that
in mind, here are some of their most popular and widely accepted benefits. Note that in this
scenario, we are speaking of application software that is designed for a specific purpose, to be
used either by individuals or by businesses. Their single biggest advantage is that they meet the
exact needs of the user. Since they are designed specifically with one purpose in mind, the user
knows that he has to use one specific software to accomplish his task. The threat of viruses
invading custom-made applications is very small, since any business that incorporates it can
restrict access and can come up with means to protect their network as well. Licensed application
software gets regular updates from the developer for security reasons. Additionally, the developer
also regularly sends personnel to correct any problems that may arise from time.

Disadvantages :
As is the case with all such matters, there are certain disadvantages of such software as well.
Though these are not spoken about very often, nor are they highlighted, the fact is that they do
exist and affect certain users. But people have accepted these misgivings and still continue to use
such software because their utility and importance is much more profound than their weaknesses.
Developing application software designed to meet specific purposes can prove to be quite costly
for developers. This can affect their budget and their revenue flow, especially if too much time is
spent developing a software that is not generally acceptable. Some software that are designed
specifically for a certain business, may not be compatible with other general software. This is
something that can prove to be a major stumbling block for many corporations. Developing them
is something that takes a lot of time, because it needs constant communication between the
developer and the customer. This delays the entire production process, which can prove to be
harmful in some cases. Application software that is used commonly by many people, and then
shared online, carries a very real threat of infection by a computer virus or other malicious
programs. So, whether you are buying them off the shelf, or whether you are hiring a developer
to build specific software for you, all of these points will seem pertinent to you. Many
individuals and businesses have regularly found the need and the requirement for such software,
and the fact remains that any computing device will be utterly useless without such software
running on it.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SYSTEM SOFTWARE AND

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 APPLICATION SOFTWARE
System Software vs Application Software -
System software and application software are computer programs. The system software is also
installed during the installation of the operating system. However, the application software
utilizes the capabilities of the computer on which it is installed.

System Software :
The programs and the file that comprises the operating system are called system software. These
files include configuration files, system preferences, system services, libraries of functions and
the drivers for the hardware installed on the computer. The computer programs in system
software include compilers, system utilities, assemblers, debuggers and file management tools.
Once you install the operating system, the system software is also installed. Program such
Software update or Windows update can be used to update the system software. However,
the end user does not run the system software. For example, while using the web browser, you
dont need to use the assembler program. System software is also called low-level software as it
runs at most basic level of the computer. It just creates a graphical user interface thorough which
the user can interact with hardware with the help of operating system. System software just runs
at the back so you dont need to bother about it. The system software provides an environment to
run application software and it controls the computer as well as the applications installed on the
machine.

Application software :
The subclass of a computer program which utilizes the capabilities of computer is called
application software. Application here means the application software and the implementation.
The example of application software programs includes media players, spreadsheets and word
processors. When multiple applications are packaged together then it is called application suite.
There is a common user interface in each application suite which makes it easier for the user to
learn different applications. In some cases, such as Microsoft Office, the various application
programs have the ability to interact with each other. This facility is very handy for the user. For
example, a user can embed the spreadsheet in a word processor using the application software.
Application software cannot run without the presence of system software.
System software gets installed when the operating system is installed on the computer
while application software is installed according to the requirements of the user.
System software includes programs such as compilers, debuggers, drivers, assemblers
while application software includes media players, word processors, and spreadsheet
programs.
Generally, users do not interact with system software as it works in the background
whereas users interact with application software while doing different activities.
A computer may not require more than one type of system software while there may be a
number of application software programs installed on the computer at the same time.
System software can run independently of the application software while application
software cannot run without the presence of the system software.

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 CONCLUSION
The application software and the system software form the basis of a user friendly computer.
Both softwares are inter-related and enhance computer functionality. Therefore, it is not
surprising when some system softwares come with pre-installed application softwares like web
browsers Internet explorer and antivirus (Microsoft antivirus, etc.).Both the application software
and system software are inter-related as one forms a platform for the other. Therefore, since the
computer has now become part of human existence as day to day activities are performed on a
computer (which could be a mobile phone, laptops / notebooks / desktop computers , smart
watch, and all machines programmed and designed to platform some functions), there is need for
more application to be developed and the operating system software upgraded to meet up with
the consumer demands.

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