Types of Application Software
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Application software, also known as "apps," refers to a group of computer programs designed to perform specific tasks or activities for end-users. It is software that helps users to accomplish their goals and complete their tasks.
Computer programs such as web browser, word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation and graphics software are applications software. Applications are separate from the operating system software but must be compatible with it in order to be able to operate.
Examples of Application Software
Word Processors
These are software programs designed to create, edit, and format documents.
Examples include Google Docs, Apple Pages and Microsoft Word.
Spreadsheets
These are software programs designed to perform calculations and organize data in tables. They are worksheet in the form of rows and columns where text, numbers, operations, functions, formulas and calculations can be entered. Spreadsheets allow numbers to be amended and the calculations to be updated taking into account the changes.
Examples include Google Sheets, Apple Numbers and Microsoft Excel.
Presentation Software
These are software programs designed to create slideshows for presentations. These software allow sophisticated presentations to be created for use as projections, slides, Web pages or as an on screen display with the option of incorporating audio and video effects.
Examples include Google Slides, Apple Keynote and Microsoft PowerPoint.
Email Applications
These are software programs designed to send and receive and manage email messages using the internet from anywhere. These applications allow users to connect to email servers and access their email accounts from their desktop, laptop, or mobile device.
Examples of email applications:
- Google Gmail: A free web-based email client that is provided by Google. It provides a range of features, such as spam filtering, conversation threading, and integrated chat.
- Microsoft Outlook: A desktop email client that is included in the Microsoft Office suite. It provides features such as calendar management, task tracking, and contact management.
- Yahoo Mail: A free web-based email client with a clean and user-friendly interface that allows users to navigate their email inbox easily. Yahoo Mail is integrated with other Yahoo services, such as Yahoo News and Yahoo Finance, to provide users with easy access to a range of content.
Database Applications
These software are used to store large quantities of data that can be queried to display only specific information. A database contains multiple fields and records. A field is a column of similar data such as number plates. A record is a collection of associated data, e.g. a row containing entries that relate to an individual person or a company as an example.
Examples of database applications include:
- MySQL: An open-source database management system that is widely used for web applications.
- Microsoft Access: A popular database management system that allows users to create and manage databases using a graphical interface.
- Oracle Database: A powerful and complex relational database management system used by large enterprises.
- PostgreSQL: An open-source database management system that emphasizes data integrity and reliability.
- MongoDB: A document-oriented database management system that is designed for scalability and flexibility.
Desktop Publishing (DTP)
are applications that use graphic design to allow greater control over the layout of pages and the appearance of text and graphics. DTP applications are used rather than word processors to create flyers, posters, cards and newsletters because of the ease of using graphics and text together. Some formatting features within DTP applications can also be found in word processing.
Here are some examples of desktop publishing applications:
- Adobe InDesign: A professional-level desktop publishing software that is widely used in the publishing industry. It allows users to create and publish documents for print, web, and mobile devices.
- Microsoft Publisher: A desktop publishing software that is popular among small business owners and non-professional users. It provides templates and design tools for creating a range of marketing materials.
- QuarkXPress: A desktop publishing software that is used by designers to create page layouts for print and digital media.
- Scribus: An open-source desktop publishing software that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It provides a range of layout and design tools for creating professional-quality documents.
- Canva: A cloud-based desktop publishing software that is popular among non-professional users. It provides templates and design tools for creating a range of marketing materials, including social media graphics, flyers, and posters.
Web Browsing Applications
These software allow users to access the mostly free information on the Internet. Also search for, view and download text and images from the vast collection of data which comprises the World Wide Web.
Examples include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari.
Graphic Design Software
These are software programs designed to create and edit digital graphics. These programs offer a range of tools and features for creating graphics, such as drawing tools, filters, and effects, as well as tools for editing and manipulating existing graphics. Digital graphics software programs are used in a range of industries, including graphic design, advertising, marketing, and publishing. They are also used by individuals for personal projects, such as creating digital art or designing social media graphics.
Examples of digital graphics software programs:
- Adobe Photoshop: A raster graphics editor that is widely used for creating and editing digital images. It provides a range of tools for selecting, cropping, and retouching images, as well as for adding text and effects.
- Adobe Illustrator: A vector graphics editor that is used for creating and editing vector graphics. It provides tools for creating shapes, lines, and curves, as well as for adding text and effects.
- Adobe InDesign: A desktop publishing software program that is used for creating print and digital media. It provides tools for creating layouts, formatting text, and adding graphics and images.
Video Editing Software
These are software programs designed to edit and produce videos. These programs allow users to import video footage, audio, and images, and then manipulate and arrange them in a timeline to create a finished video.
Video editing software programs provide users with a range of tools and features for creating professional-looking videos. These tools include timeline editing, color correction, audio editing, special effects, and more. They also support a range of video formats and resolutions, allowing users to work with footage from a variety of sources.
Video editing software is used in a range of industries, including film and television production, marketing, and social media content creation. It is also used by individuals for personal projects, such as creating home movies or YouTube videos.
Examples of video editing software programs:
- Adobe Premiere Pro: A professional video editing software program that is widely used in the film and television industry. It provides a range of tools for video and audio editing, as well as for color grading and visual effects.
- Final Cut Pro: A video editing software program developed by Apple for Mac users. It is also widely used in the film and television industry and provides a range of tools for video and audio editing, as well as for color grading and visual effects.
- iMovie: A video editing software program developed by Apple for beginners and home users. It provides a range of tools for video and audio editing, as well as for adding text and effects.
Accounting Software
These are software programs designed to manage financial transactions and records. These programs provide a range of features for managing bookkeeping tasks, such as invoicing, bill payment, and payroll processing.
Accounting software programs provide users with a range of benefits, including increased efficiency, accuracy, and organization of financial records. They also provide real-time insights into financial performance, allowing business owners to make informed decisions.
Examples of accounting software programs:
- QuickBooks: A popular accounting software program developed by Intuit. It provides a range of features for managing financial transactions, such as invoicing, bill payment, and payroll processing. QuickBooks is widely used by small businesses and accounting professionals.
- Xero: An online accounting software program that provides a range of features for managing financial transactions and records. It is widely used by small businesses and accounting professionals, and is known for its user-friendly interface and easy integration with other software programs.
- FreshBooks: An online accounting software program that provides features for managing financial transactions, such as invoicing and time tracking. It is designed for small business owners and freelancers, and is known for its user-friendly interface and mobile app.
References and Links
- Software Engineering: A Practitioner's Approach - By Roger S. Pressman - January 23, 2014
- Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship - by Robert Martin - August 1, 2008
- Mythical Man-Month, The: Essays on Software Engineering, Anniversary Edition Paperback - By Frederick Brooks Jr. - August 2, 1995
- Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software Hardcover - By Erich Gamma, Richard Helm, Ralph Johnson - October 31, 1994
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