Applications software
Applications software is used to carry out tasks on a computer, such as writing an email, making a poster, doing homework and messaging friends. Some of the applications we might use to do this include a An application used to write, edit and format text., An application that displays web pages. and An application that assists a user in creating or editing images..
Some software, such as word processors, spreadsheets and desktop publishers are called general purpose software because it is possible to carry out lots of different tasks using that application.
Some software is called special purpose software because it performs one specific task. This might include a flight simulator, payroll software or an application for revising maths.
The word ‘app’ is short for application software. This is a piece of software that allows us to do an everyday task. Today’s smartphones and tablets allow us to download apps from online stores, allowing us to:
- See the latest news headlines
- Listen to music
- Message and communicate on social media
- Study, and receive and submit homework
- Play games
- Check the weather
- Book tickets for the cinema and theatre
- Order food takeaways
- Shop online
- Check locations and navigate
Online apps
With broadband internet, we also have access to online applications. These online apps are not installed on our laptop, smartphone or tablet but are instead accessed through a web browser. Online versions of apps are often simpler in nature than installed apps but have the advantage that they can be used by anywhere through an internet connected device. Examples include Google Docs and Microsoft 365.