Application Software

This is the software that enables us to do the things that we bought our computer for, such as typing a letter, preparing payroll, playing games writing music or creating animated display.

Application software is normally supplied as a package, consisting of the following:

• The software, supplied on floppy disk or CD ROMs
• A manual, explaining how to use the software
• Triaging material, either supplied on disk, CD ROM or in booklet.

IBM PCs and compatibles are supported by thousands of software packages. Most of these are reasonably priced. The Apple Macintosh is also well supported by application software, though not to the same extent as the IBM PC.

The kinds of application packages that are available include the following:
- Record-keeping software
- Spreadsheet software
- Word processing and desktop publishing software
- Business graphics and presentation software
- Communication software
- Diary systems and other personal productivity tools
- Drawing and computer-aided design software
- Games
- Music synthesis
- Painting and animation software
- Medical software

Some packages can perform more than one of these tasks. For example, there are a number of office administration packages such as Office 2010 of Microsoft that will carry out word processing, record-keeping, spreadsheet work and business graphics. These are called integrated packages because they integrate or bring together these varied tasks.