Types of Computer Software
Applications are programs or computer programs developed to perform a particular purpose, usually to be utilized by end-users to perform a certain activity, for example to search the web or to edit a document. Examples of such an application are a spreadsheet application and a word processing application. The collective word therefore refers to applications developed for the sole purpose of performing a task. The term “application” was first used in the early twentieth century by Richard Saul Wurman, who considered it as a more or less definitive definition of the word “software”.
In the twenty-first century, more complex applications have been developed. Examples of these are enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, spreadsheets, database management and business automation. An app can also be referred to as widgets, icons, plug-ins, browser add-ons, portals, widgets and services. Some popular examples of popular apps today include Microsoft Word (English), Excel (Microsoft Excel), Google Docs (Google Docs), Safari (Macintosh) and Firefox (Mozilla Firefox).
On the other hand, there are examples of software applications that have been around for decades or even centuries. Examples of such timeless software applications include the Unix suite of system tools, Linux operating system, Sun’s Open Office suite and PHP. These well-known examples of software applications are very popular because they are capable of running on different operating systems. This flexibility enables end users to choose which application best suits their computing needs.
Today, the number of examples of modern application software programs has also significantly increased. A few examples of popular examples of this are the MS Office Suite, Sun’s Open Office suite, Mozilla Firefox, Apple’s Safari and Google Docs. Examples of classic examples of ancient application software programs include the Abode Time Machine, the LAMP stack, the Bell Labs QuickBooks and Sun’s SpamFighter. The long list of examples in this article only highlight the flexibility that is available today. Different factors such as size, portability and usability make modern versions superior to earlier versions in every respect.
In the past, there were two main categories of application software. The first group included word processors like Microsoft Word. The second set of applications included spreadsheet suites including spreadsheet products like Excel, Lotus Notes, PowerPoint and Microsoft Power Point. There was also office solution suites like Microsoft Works. Each of these product groups provided slightly different capabilities, features and capabilities. There were even options for managing document collaboration through email or integrated collaboration via desktop collaboration programs such as RealBand.
However, the trend has changed today and new forms of application software are quickly evolving. One of the most significant changes has come about through the development of web-based spreadsheet applications like the Open Office suite of free open source database software. This suite provides a very powerful word processing tool, presentation software and database software all in one. With the advent of Windows and Office running on the web, the capabilities of word processors have been extended to include interactivity through a browser.
This means that the ability to write applications using a WYSIWYG text editor is not necessary. Developers can instead choose to develop applications using a more standard text editor. Web based application programs are much easier to work with because many different types of data can be shared. Forms, web pages, text and graphics can be added to applications without the need for additional software. As mentioned above, you can also choose to manage data through a browser without having to use a database. These types of applications have been available on the market for some time, but they are just now starting to gain traction as a way of handling office tasks.
The examples given above are only one example of how different types of application software can be used today. Many people who are new to computers and the Internet do not realize just how many things can be done. New applications and ways of managing and organizing information are always being researched and developed. For those who want to explore what is possible on the Internet, just do a search for “application software” and you will have many examples to look at.
