Definition of software
Software is a set of programs or instructions run by the computer.
We cannot touch software but in the case of hardware, we can touch hardware. An example of software is Microsoft Word, Google chrome etc.
Definition of application software
Application software is a type of program that does a specific task other than the operation of the computer.
For example, Microsoft Word can do the specific task of typing a document. Google Chrome has a specific task of displaying websites.
There is another category of software which is known as system software.
The system software has the responsibility of running hardware and application programs.
When you turn on the computer then system software starts running. While in the case of application software, you have to manually run application software. System software can run general tasks like copy, paste, displaying data, controlling hardware, system security, etc.
Some of the tasks that application software can do are:-
- It performs the personal task
- It performs a business function
- It performs educational tasks
- Can do productivity tasks
- Can do communication tasks
- Can do creative tasks
- It can manage information
- It can construct visuals
- It can calculate figures
- Can manipulate data
- It can coordinate resources
- It can improve the efficiency and accuracy of programs
- It can save time and improve productivity
Application software vs system software
| Application Software | System Software |
|---|---|
| It performs a specific task | It operates the computer hardware |
| It runs when the user requests it | It runs automatically when the computer starts and stops when the computer is turned off |
| It cannot run without system software support | It gives a platform for application software |
| Application software is installed by the user | System software comes bundled with the operating system |
| The user interacts with application software | Users cannot interact directly with system software and it runs in the background |
| It cannot run independently and depends upon system software | It can run independently |
| Examples are MS Office, Google Chrome, Firefox, Adobe Photoshop, Calculator, etc | Examples are Windows OS, Mac OS, Android OS, Apple iOS, Linux OS |
Types of application software
Different types of application software are:-
Web Browsers:
Web browsers are used to open websites. There are different types of websites that you can open such as Facebook, Google, Youtube. You can get information from these websites and increase your knowledge about different fields. Common examples of web browsers are Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera, and Microsoft Edge.
Education software:
Education software is also known as academic software are used to train students and anyone seeking knowledge. They are used to learn lessons in different fields. You can watch and learn tutorials from this educational software. Examples of education software are Mind Play, Moodle, JumpStart and Kid Pix.
Database software:
This type of software is used to store databases. The database is used to store organized data and information about employees, financial records, products and more. There is a database management system (DBMS) that manages the data. The DBMS is also a database software. You can modify, fetch or insert data in the database. Some examples of database software are MongoDB, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, IBM DB2 and Microsoft SQL Server.
Simulation software:
Simulation software is used to model real type objects by mathematical formulas such as weather forecast, robotics, and flight systems. They are used in different fields like practical education, military engineering, industrial training, machinery testing and videos games. You can model a flying plan and use it in video games or for testing purposes of pilots. You can use simulation software in making Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR).
Presentation software
If you want to present yourself to the audience then you can use presentation software. You can make slides in this software which contains text, images, animation, and videos. You can represent your informative data to the audience. Presentation software is used to make slideshows by which you showcase your work in an office, college, seminars, and meetings. Presentation software is also used for training purposes. Examples of presentation software are Microsoft PowerPoint, Slidebean, Google Slides, Keynote and Prezi.
Word processing software
This software is used to format and write text documents. Word processing software is used in creating faxes, memos, brochures, CV’s, newsletters, and other types of documents. There are many formatting options in this software by which you can beautify your text. Some features of this software are:-
- Spell checking
- Quick toolbar for formatting text
- Thesaurus
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Word count
- Automatic text correction
- HTML and PDF conversion
- Web integration
Examples of word processing software are Microsoft Word, Open Office Writer, Google Drive, and Word Perfect.
Graphics software:
This type of software is used to make graphics, edit graphics and make changes in images and visual data. Graphics software is used in:-
- Creating logos
- Modify clip arts
- Making web graphics
- Product packaging
- Designing advertisements
- Editing and sharing digital photos
- Drawing maps and other diagrams
Examples of graphics software are Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Paint Shop Pro, Microsoft Paint, Inkscape, CorelDraw, Paint.Net
Multimedia software
This application software is used to create and record audio and video files. This software is also used to combine images, text, animation, audio and video to produce interactive content. Multimedia software is used to create multimedia files in different file formats (audio and video). Examples of multimedia software are Windows media player, VLC player, Picasa, and Media Monkey,
Spreadsheet software
Spreadsheet software is used to store, analyze and manipulate data in the form of rows and columns. The intersection of row and column is known as a cell. The calculation is performed on the data in this software. You can store different types of data like number, text, date and time. You can also insert tables, charts, and apply formulas to the data that is stored in spreadsheet software. Examples of spreadsheet software are Google Sheet, Microsoft Excel, Quip, Libre Office, Smartsheet, and Apple Numbers.
Examples of application software
Some examples of application software are:-
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- VLC Player
- Microsoft Media Player
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Illustrator
- Skype
- Google Chrome
- Visual Studio Code
- Firefox
- Corel Draw
- Safari
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Opera