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What is computer application software, and how does it differ from other categories of software? Software can be categorized according to what it is designed to accomplish. There are two main types of software: systems software and application software. Systems Software Systems software includes the programs that are dedicated to managing the computer itself, such as the operating system, file management utilities, and disk operating system (or DOS). The operating system manages the computer hardware resources in addition to applications and data. Without systems software installed in our computers we would have to type the instructions for everything we wanted the computer to do! Applications Software 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. 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. Educational software Entertainment software Enterprise infrastructure software Simulation software Media development software Product engineering software Utility software Why study Computer Applications? Computer Applications in Engineering Education A List of Jobs That Use Computers Computer Applications Specialist What are some types of computer applications? Types of computer applications include word processing software, database software, spreadsheet software, presentation software, multimedia software, enterprise software, information worker software, simulation software, educational software, content access software and software that enables the development or engineering of products. Here are further guidelines. |