Computer Science · Ch 1 — Computer System
Application Software
Application Software
System software provides the core functionality of the computer system — but different users need the computer for different purposes. A separate category of software is needed to serve those user-specific requirements. Software that works on top of the system software to serve the end-user's purpose is called application software.
Application software divides into two broad categories: general purpose and customised.
(A) General purpose software
Application software developed for generic applications, to cater to a bigger audience in general, is called general purpose software. It is ready-made: end users pick it up and use it as their requirements demand.
Examples:
- Calc, the spreadsheet tool of LibreOffice — any computer user can use it to do calculations or create an account sheet.
- Adobe Photoshop and GIMP (image editing),
- Mozilla web browser,
- iTunes.
(B) Customised software
These are custom or tailor-made application software, developed to meet the requirements of a specific organisation or individual. Because they are designed to special requirements, they suit the needs of that individual or organisation better than any ready-made product could.
Examples: websites, school management software, accounting software.
The book's analogy: customised software is like buying a piece of cloth and getting a tailor-made garment — the fitting, colour and fabric are all of your choice, rather than off-the-rack.