We explain what application software is and what it is for. Also, its differences with the system software.
What is application software?
An application software is a specific type of programs, also called “application”, whose function is allow the user to carry out tasks of different types and purposes such as work, calculations, web browsing, video games and any other purpose other than system maintenance. In this it differs from system software.
Part of the application software is all those programs that have nothing to do with the operation of the computer, but rather are incorporated into the system so that it functions as a work tool (spreadsheet, word processor, graphic design programs, etc.). ), leisure (video games, audio or video players, etc.) or information (digital encyclopedias, internet browser, etc.), among many other possible functions.
Typically, application software is designed and marketed separately from the rest of the computer, and its selection and installation on the system is at the user's discretion. Likewise, it can be offered as part of open or collaborative projects for free download on the Internet.
In computing, it is called software to the set of programs, instructions and computer components that allow different tasks to be carried out, as opposed to hardware, that is, the tangible and material aspects that make up the computer.
See also: Computer program
Application Software Features
Application software is a specific type of software that is characterized by:
- It allows the system to execute tasks of various kinds, other than what is required for the maintenance of the system and its basic functionality.
- It can be of a very varied nature: 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 sometimes it may have free circulation on the Internet.
- It may be designed for use on computers (software) or on cell phones (mobile applications).
- For its execution, a functional computer system equipped with an operating system is required.
Types of application software
Application software can be extremely diverse, as are the specific functions that a computer can perform. In that sense, it is possible to distinguish between:
office software
This is a set of programs designed to turn the computer into a work tool, such as word processors, spreadsheets, database administrators, email managers, digital calendars, among others.
Educational software
This is a set of programs designed to educate or reinforce study, massify information or provide a digital pedagogical experience, such as digital encyclopedias, classroom management software, reference software and library and document management programs. .
entertainment software
This is a set of programs designed to provide the user with a recreational experience, that is, gaming or entertainment, such as video games, social networking applications and online multimedia software (TV and series).
Communications software
This is the set of programs designed to allow 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 a 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 field simulators. of battle.
Programming and software engineering software
This is the set of programs that allow the development of other programs, that is, programming languages, such as software compilation programs, license managers or video game development tools.
Examples of application software
Some examples of application software of different types are:
- google chrome. It is an internet browser designed and published by Google and distributed free of charge on the Internet. It revolutionized the market after its distribution in 2008 as it was one of the lightest and fastest explorers of the moment.
- OpenOffice. It is an office software package, freely distributed over the Internet, which offers the same options as the paid Microsoft Office package. It operates with open source and has 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. It is a war video game programmed by the company 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 you to establish audio communications or video conferences using Internet data transmission. It allows the user to establish their contact list, manage various accounts and emit and receive both audio and video signals in real time. It is currently owned by the Microsoft company.
- MediaMonkey. It is a program to play multimedia files, that is, audio and video files. Developed by Ventis Media Inc., it also allows you to organize, tag and play files, and works on various operating systems.
- Adobe Illustrator. It is a program for editing graphics and images that operates through the virtual representation of an art workshop, helped by various digital tools. It is owned by Adobe Systems and is in the Adobe Creative Cloud package.
Differences between application and system software
System software (also called base software) is what allows the user to perform different tasks, while application software is responsible for keeping the computer system running.
An example of system software is operating systems: they run the machine and keep it ready for the execution of application software.
The differences between these two types of software can be summarized as follows:
| Application software | System software |
|---|---|
| It allows the user to perform different tasks not linked to the operation of the computer. | It is responsible for managing and keeping the computer system available so that it can be useful. |
| It cannot be executed without first having an operating system. | It can run even in the absence of any application software. |
| It does not usually come preinstalled on a new computer, unless there are temporary packages purchased by the manufacturer. | It usually comes preinstalled on the new computer, since without it the system would not be able to operate. |
| It can have countless categories according to its uses, such as entertainment programs, work programs, education programs, communications programs, among others. | It is normally classified according to its roles in system maintenance, such as operating systems, command lines, desktop environments, among others. |
| Examples of this type of software are: skype, Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop and iTunes. | Examples of this type of software are: Microsoft Windows, MS-DOS, BIOS and Android. |
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References
- De la Torre Sampalo, A., Leyva Cortés, E. and Garzón Villar, M. (2002). Computing. Secondary Education Teachers. Didactic Applications. MAD-Eduforma.
- The Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2023). Software (computing). https://www.britannica.com/
- National University of the South. (sf). Introduction to the operation of personal computers. https://cs.uns.edu.ar/
