Application software

Application software refers to the software, designed to perform people-related tasks such as word processing, graphics, pay roll, inventory, sales analysis, and so on. There are two types of application software: general purpose software and dedicated software (designed for specific application, such as the space shuttle).

Application software is a category of software which handles the processing for a particular task. There are hundreds - possibly thousands - of computer applications for which software created: scientific and engineering functions; sales forecasting; computer criminal-history records; educational functions; artistic functions, the generation of music or art, for example; and, of course, business functions. Some of the most popular software applications are those which have been adopted widely by business organisations: word processing, sprreadsheets, data management and desktop-publishing packages.