Application software

Application software is generally the computer programs which are used for the purpose of performing specific tasks using a computer. This should be contrasted with operating system software which is the basic set of programs used to allow the computer system to be started, or to be used to execute application software.

A simple explanation would be that operating system software could be likened to the frame, motor, chassis, wheels and other components of an automobile, while application software would represent the steering wheel, seats, dashboard and gauges, and passenger comfort controls such as heat and air conditioning of the car.

In some types of embedded systems, the application software and the operating system software may be indistinguishable, such as in the case of the software used to control a VCR, DVD player or Microwave oven.

Some examples of application software include:

• accounting packages
• collaborative software
• compilers and interpreters
• computer games
• cryptography
• database
• Educational Software
• e-mail
• graphics program
• spreadsheet
• text editor
• web browser
• web server
• word processor