In this presentation, you will get to know more about the application software, its types, functions, business benefits and the factors that influence the cost of application software. Read the complete article here: https://www.fingent.com/blog/a-detailed-guide-to-types-of-software-applications/

1. TYPES OF APPLICATION
SOFTWARE
A detailed guide for 2021

2. Contents:
● Introduction
● What is Application Software?
● Different Types of Application Software Used by Businesses
● Types of Application Software Based on Shareability and Availability
● Functions of Application Software
● Business Benefits of Application Software
● The Cost of Application Software Development

3. Introduction
Application software, sometimes known as an app, has become our constant
companion. We all utilise many types of application software for various
personal and professional objectives, ranging from the Microsoft Office suite
to Gmail and Facebook Messenger.
Application software has come a long way since the days of floppy disks and
CD ROMs. There are thousands of different types of application software
available to meet any demand or purpose.

4. What is Application Software?
A computer programme that performs a specific function, whether educational,
personal, or business-related, is known as application software. When interacting
with a computer, it is the application software (frosting) that you, the user, see up
front. It's also known as a productivity programme or an end-user programme.
An application is a programme that helps you perform a specific task, such as taking
notes or conducting online research. A browser, for example, is a program that is
used to browse the Internet. MS PowerPoint is a presentation-specific application
and so are many other apps on our smartphones.

5. Different types of application software used by businesses
Some of the commonly used application software are:
● Word processors
● Graphics software
● Database software
● Spreadsheet software
● Presentation software
● Web browsers
● Enterprise software
● Information worker software
● Multimedia software
● Education and reference software
● Content access software

6. 1. Presentation Software
Presentation is a type of application software that enables you to represent
your thoughts and ideas with ease. It lets you display the information in the
form of slides. You can make your slide more informative and engrossing by
adding text, images, graphs, and videos.
It has three components:
● Text editor to input and format text
● Insert graphics, text, video, and multimedia files
● Slideshow to display the information

7. 2. Web Browsers
Web browsers are application software used to browse the internet for locating and
retrieving data across the web. The most popular web browsers are Google Chrome
and Internet Explorer.
Other examples of browsers include Firefox, MS Edge, Safari, Apple's Safari and
Microsoft's Windows Explorer.
3. Multimedia Software
Multimedia application software lets you create or record images, and create audio
or video files. This software is extensively used in animation, graphics, image, and
video editing.
VLC media player and Windows media player are popular examples of media player
software for Windows.

8. 4. Education and Reference Software
Academic software is designed to facilitate learning of a particular subject.
Various kinds of tutorial software are included in this category.
JumpStart, MindPlay, Moodle, and Kid Pix are some of the popular examples
of academic software for teaching students how to use them.
5. Graphics Software
Graphics application software allows you to edit or make changes in visual
data or images.
Adobe Photoshop and PaintShop Pro are a few examples of graphics
software. It comprises illustration and picture editor software for creating
graphics worksheets, illustrations and video cards with different colours and
effects.

9. 6. Spreadsheet Software
Spreadsheet application software is used to perform calculations. In this
software, data is stored in a table format. The intersecting area, called cells,
are separated to define fields such as text, date, time, and number.
Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets are examples of spreadsheet software.
7. Database Software
Database application software is used to create and manage your database.
Data is fetched from the database, modified, and stored back in the database.
Oracle, MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Postgres, MongoDB, and IBM Db2 are
some of the popular databases.

10. 8. Word Processing Software
Word processing software is used to create memos, letters, faxes, and
documents. It provides you a whole lot of features, including thesaurus,
synonyms and antonyms. The font option lets you change font color, effect,
and style as per your choice.
Leading examples include G Doc and Microsoft Word Doc.
9. Simulation Software
Simulation is where you study or observe an operation, or phenomenon
through simulation without actually doing that operation. It is used in the
fields of robotics, flight systems, and weather forecast, etc.
Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality technologies are also used to develop
software that support simulations.

11. Types of Application Software Based on Shareability and Availability
1. Freeware
It is available free of cost. You can download it from the Internet and use it without any fee.
However, it does not allow you to modify it or charge a fee for distributing it.
Eg.: Adobe PDF, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome
2. Shareware
This is distributed freely to the users on a trial basis, usually with a limited time offer. The
users are expected to pay if they want to continue to use this application software.
Eg.: WinZip, SnapTouch, and Adobe Acrobat.

12. 3. Open source
It is available along with the source code that allows you to modify the
software, and even add features to the software. These could either be free or
paid.
Eg.: Moodle and Apache Web Server
4. Closed source
These are usually chargeable and have intellectual property rights or patents
over the source code. It usually comes with restricted use.
Eg.: Microsoft Windows, Adobe Flash Player, WinRAR, mac OS, etc.

13. Functions of Application Software
● Resource management (ERP and CRM
systems)
● HR management such as hiring,
on-boarding, and separation
● Project management
● Business process management
● Educational software (LMS and
e-learning systems)
● Healthcare application software
● Data and information management
● Document management (document
exchange systems)
● Visuals and video development
● Emails, text messengers, audio and video
chats, and collaboration
● Accounting, finance, and payroll
management

14. Business Benefits of Application Software
1. Improve customer service and satisfaction
2. Robust data security
3. More flexibility
4. Improve productivity
5. More power to decision-making

15. The cost of Application Software Development
The following factors influence the development of application software:
● Functionality, scope, features, and purpose of the application software
● Platforms and devices supported
● Third-party integrations required
● Type of application: web, native, cross-platform, hybrid, etc.
● Back-end development
● Hardware components and compatibility
● Complexity of the application
● Maintenance and support requirements

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