APPLICATION SOFTWARE

The most often seen software by a user is the application software. It used to accomplish
specific tasks rather than just managing a computer system. For a user, the computer system has
no specific use without application software. Application software may consist of a single
program, such as Microsoft’s Note pad (for writing and editing simple text). It may also consist
of a collection of programs, often called a software package, which work together to accomplish
 a task, such as database management software. Application software may also include a larger
collection of related but independent programs and packages (a software suite), which have a
common user interface or shared data format, such as Microsoft Office suite.

Applications softwares are dependent on system softwares. A system software (like
operating system) acts as an interface between the user and the computer hardware, while
application software performs specific tasks. Applications are pieces of software that perform
tasks for the user besides helping the computer operate, which is the tasks of system software.
Applications softwares are controlled by system software, which manages hardware devices and
performs background tasks for them. The distinction between the two is important. Without
system software, the computer will not run, and without application software, the computer, no
matter how powerful, will not be helpful in meeting user requirements. Think of it this way applications apply the computer’s thinking power to business tasks such as tracking the general
ledger or billing your customers.

Application software ranges from games, calculators, and word processors (document
creating programs), to programs that “paint” images on screen (image editors). Applications
represent real world tasks. They can be easily divided by looking at exactly what function they
serve. Some of the most commonly used application software is discussed below:

1. Word processor:

A word processor is software used to compose, format, edit, and print electronic
documents. Word processing is one of the earliest applications for office productivity and the
personal computer. It involves not only typing, but also checking the spelling and grammar of
the text and arranging it correctly on the page. A variety of different typefaces is available for a
verity of effects. It is possible to include pictures, graphs, charts and many other things within
the text of the document. It also allows for changes in margins, fonts, and colour. Nowadays,
virtually all personal computers are equipped with a word processing program, which has the
same function as a typewriter for writing letters, reports or other documents, and printing.
Examples of some well-known word processors are Microsoft Word and Word Perfect.

2. Spreadsheets:

One of the first commercial uses of computers was in processing payroll and other
financial records, so the programs were designed to generate reports in the standard
“spreadsheet” format bookkeepers and accountants used. A spreadsheet application is a
rectangular grid, which allows text, numbers, and complex functions to be entered into a matrix
of thousands of individual cells. The spreadsheet provides sheets containing cells each of which
may contain text and / or numbers. Cells may also contain equations that calculate results from
data placed in other cells or series of cells. A simple example might be a column of numbers
totaled in a single cell containing an equation relating to that column.
Spreadsheet software are used predominantly for accounting a other numerically-based
tasks, because financial and mathematical data and analysis are often managed in a tabular style,
with columns of financial figures being manipulated and then influencing other data
computations. Microsoft Excel and Lotus 1-2-3 are examples of spreadsheet applications.

3. Image Editors:

Image editor programs are designed specifically for capturing, creating, editing, and
manipulating images. These graphics programs provide a variety of special features for creating
and altering images. In addition to offering a host of filters and image transformation
algorithms, some image editors also enable the user to create and superimpose layers. Most
graphic programs have the ability to import and export one or more graphic file formats. These
computer programs enable the user to adjust an image to improve its appearance. With image
editing software, one can darken or lighten an image, rotate it, adjust it contrast, crop out
extraneous detail, and much more. Examples of these programs are Adobe Photoshop, Adobe
Illustrator and CorelDraw.

4. Database management systems:

Database management software is a collection of computer programs that allow storage,
modification, and extraction of information from a database in an efficient manner. It supports
the structuring of the database in a standard format and provides tools for data input, verification,
storage, retrieval, query, and manipulation. When such software is used, information systems
can be changed much more easily as the organization’s information requirements change. New
categories of data can be added to the database without disrupting the existing system. It also
controls the security and integrity of the database from unauthorized access. FoxPro and Oracle
are database management systems.

5. Presentation applications:

A presentation is a means of assessment, which requires presentation providers to present
their work orally in the presence of an audience. It combines both visual and verbal elements.
Presentation software allows the user to create presentations by producing slides or handouts for
presentation of projects. Essentially, such computer programs allow users to create a variety of
visually appealing electronic slides for presentation. Microsoft PowerPoint is one of the most
famous presentation application.

6. Desktop publishing software:

The term desktop publishing is usually used to describe the creations of printed
documents using a desktop computer. It is a technique of using a personal computer to design
images and pages, and assemble type and graphics, then using a laser printer or image-setter to
output the assembled pages onto paper, film, or printing plate. These softwares are used for
creating magazines, books, newsletters, and so on. Such software assist in creating sophisticated
documents including complicated page designs, detailed illustrations, and camera-ready types
faces. Quark Express and Adobe PageMaker are desktop publishing software.