Application Software
Application Software is software whose purpose is to perform tasks that the user wishes to perform. Typical examples of applications are word processors, spreadsheets, media players and browsers. Application suites are collections of applications bundled together such as Microsoft Office. Typically suites are set up to allow the applications to work together by sharing data and by having similar command structures.
Application software can be classified into a large number of categories.
- Enterprise Software
- is software for organizations such as financial, travel expense, helpdesk,and customer relationship management.
- Infrastructure Software
- is software to support infrastructures such as database servers, e-mail servers, network management and security.
- Information Worker Software
- includes software designed to allow individuals to create and manage information. Such software might include time management, resource management, word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail clients and personal information management.
- Content Access Software
- is used to access content without the ability to modify it. Examples would include Web browsers and media players.
- Educational Software
- not only includes the ability to educate but also requires evaluation (tests) and record keeping (progress reports). The software used to learn MS Office in the lab is a specific example.
- Simulation Software
- is used to simulate systems for research, training, or entertainment.
- Media Development Software
- is used to create electronic media. Examples include graphic art software, Web site development software including blogging, digital animation, audio and video editors.
- Engineering Software
- such as CAD, computer program creation tools (editors, compilers, integrated development environments and application programmer interfaces).
Other Applications and stuff
Software systems are often embedded into systems of hardware. One interesting example from howSTUFFworks is an article on real time processing in Formula One race cars. Embedded software is also an important component is robots.
Further Information
Wikipedia article on Application Software
Wikipedia article on Embedded Software