Application Software

We explain what application software is and what it’s used for. We also explain its differences with system software. Please read other MTV articles for more information. If you share it, it will be of little help to us.

What is application software?

Application software is a specific type of program, also called an “application,” whose function is to allow the user to perform tasks of various types and purposes, such as work, calculations, web browsing, video games, and any other purpose other than system maintenance. This is how it differs from system software.

Application software includes all programs that are not related to the operation of the computer, but are incorporated into the system to function as a work tool (spreadsheets, word processors, graphic design programs, etc.), for entertainment (video games, audio or video players, etc.), or for information (digital encyclopedias, internet browsers, etc.), among many other possible functions.

Must Read: About Poems

Table of Contents

Application software is typically designed and marketed separately from the rest of the computer, and its selection and installation on the system is at the user’s discretion. It may also be offered as part of open or collaborative projects for free download on the internet.

In computing, software refers to the set of programs, instructions, and computer components that allow different tasks to be performed, as opposed to hardware, that is, the tangible and material aspects that make up the computer.

Characteristics of Application Software

Application software is a specific type of software characterized by:

It allows the system to perform tasks of various kinds, other than those required for system maintenance and its basic functionality.
It can be of a wide variety of types: from video games and video call managers to graphic design programs and database administrators.
It is programmed, distributed, and marketed separately from computer systems, although it can sometimes be freely distributed on the internet.
It can be designed for use on computers (software) or on cell phones (mobile applications).
Its execution requires a functional computer system equipped with an operating system.

Types of Application Software

Application software can be extremely diverse, as are the specific functions a computer can perform. In this sense, it is possible to distinguish between:

Office software

This refers to the set of programs designed to turn the computer into a work tool, such as word processors, spreadsheets, database managers, email managers, digital calendars, among others.

Educational software

This refers to the set of programs designed to educate or reinforce study, disseminate information, or provide a digital pedagogical experience, such as digital encyclopedias, classroom management software, reference software, and library and document management programs.

Must Read: About Planet Earth

Entertainment software

This refers to the set of programs designed to provide the user with a recreational experience, that is, a game or entertainment experience, such as video games, social networking applications, and online multimedia software (TV and series).

Communications Software

This is the set of programs designed to enable or facilitate remote communication between two or more users or systems, such as video call managers, chat programs, blog managers, and other digital publications.

Design Software

This is the set of programs that allow the user to develop or alter images, animations, and other forms of digital content, such as image editors, video editors, audio editors, and HTML managers.

Simulation Software

This is the set of programs that allow the user to reproduce different real-life situations in a virtual environment, whether for scientific or training purposes, such as car driving simulators, chemical reaction simulators, or battlefield simulators.

Programming and Software Engineering Software

This is the set of programs that allow the development of other programs, i.e., programming languages, such as software compilation programs, license managers, or video game development tools.

Must Read: About Earth Rotation

Examples of Application Software

Some examples of different types of application software are:

Google Chrome: This is an internet browser designed and published by Google and distributed free of charge online. It revolutionized the market after its release in 2008 as one of the lightest and fastest browsers available.
OpenOffice: This is an office software package, freely distributed online, that offers the same features as the paid Microsoft Office suite. It operates with open source code and includes a word processor (Writer), a spreadsheet (Calc), presentation and slide software (Impress), a database (Base), a mathematical formula editor (Math), and a graphics and visual effects editor (Draw).
Call of Duty: This is a war video game developed by Infinity Ward and distributed by Activision, characterized by its first-person narrative plot. It was one of the most popular video games of its genre and has often been criticized for its violence and political content.
Skype: It is software that allows audio or video conferencing using internet data transmission. It allows the user to establish their contact list, manage various accounts, and transmit and receive both audio and video signals in real time. It is currently owned by Microsoft.
Media Monkey: It is a program for playing multimedia files, i.e., audio and video files. Developed by Ventis Media Inc., it also allows you to organize, tag, and play files, and runs on various operating systems.
Adobe Illustrator: It is a graphics and image editing program that operates through the virtual representation of an art studio, aided by various digital tools. It is owned by Adobe Systems and is included in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite.

Differences between application and system software

System software (also called base software) is what allows the user to perform various tasks, while application software is responsible for keeping the computer system running.

An example of system software is an operating system: it runs the machine and keeps it ready to run the application software.

The differences between these two types of software can be summarized as follows:

Allows the user to perform various tasks unrelated to the operation of the computer.
It cannot be run without an operating system.
It does not usually come pre-installed on a new computer, unless temporary packages are purchased from the manufacturer.
It can fall into countless categories based on its uses, such as entertainment, work, educational, communications, and other programs.
Examples of this type of software include Skype, Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, and iTunes.

System software

Responsible for managing and maintaining the computer system so that it can be useful.
It can run even in the absence of any application software.
It usually comes pre-installed on a new computer, as without it, the system would not be able to operate.
It is typically classified according to its role in maintaining the system, such as operating systems, command lines, desktop environments, and others.
Examples of this type of software are: Microsoft Windows, MS-DOS, BIOS and Android.

Must Read: About Earth Translation

References

All the information we offer is supported by authorized and updated bibliographic sources, ensuring reliable content in line with our editorial principles.

De la Torre Sampalo, A., Leyva Cortés, E., and Garzón Villar, M. (2002). Computer Science. Secondary School Teachers. Teaching Applications. MAD-Eduforma.
The Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2023). Software (computing). britannica.com
Universidad Nacional del Sur. (n.d.). Introduction to the Operation of Personal Computers. cs.uns.edu.ar
Article – concepto.de

Application Software – Concept, Examples, and Other Software