Computer software provides instructions that tell computers what to do. There are different types of software for different needs. Application software is designed for specific tasks like word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, communication, graphics, desktop publishing, and games. Word processing software allows creating, editing, and formatting documents, spreadsheets organize and calculate numbers, and presentation software displays information as slideshows.

1. COMPUTER
SOFTWARE

2. DEFINITION
• Computer software, or just software is a collection of computer programs and
related data that provides the instructions for telling the computer what to do
and how to do it. Software’s refers to one or more computer programs and data
held in the storage of the computer. In other words, software is a set of
programs, procedures, algorithms and its documentation concerned with the
operation of a data processing system.
• Some categories of software are essential for the working of computer where as
some are optional to install. The application of computers in different areas,
require different types of software to be installed. For example, the software
needs of an accountant will be entirely different from the needs of a graphic
designer. Both of them can use the computer with same hardware configuration
but the software will be different in both the cases. The computers are used in
various fields at various levels to provide various types of services. The needs of
one type of environment are generally different from that of others. To serve
such a vast variety of application areas, various types of software’s are present
in the market.

3. APPLICATION
SOFTWARES
• Application software is the end user software. It consists of
programs designed to perform specific tasks for users.
Application software can be used as a productivity/business tool,
to assist with graphics and multiple projects, to support home ,
personal and educational activities and to facilitate
communications.
• Application software utilizes the capabilities of a computer
directly for a dedicated task. It is able to manipulate text,
numbers and graphics. It can be in the form of software focused
on a certain single task like word processing, spreadsheet or
playing of audio and video files.
• The programs written under application software are designed
for general purpose and special purpose applications.

4. WORD
PROCESSING
Word processing software allows a person to create,
edit, save and print documents like letters,
memos, reports, essays, write ups manuscripts
and so on. Using this application program, a
user can add pictures, tables and charts in to
documents. Users can also check spelling and
grammar of the text. It also allows for using
different font styles, font size and color of text.
It also allows the user to insert headers and
footers in the entire document and set margin and
spacing in line paragraphs.

5. • Spreadsheets is a computer application that simulates a paper
worksheets. The spreadsheet software is used to maintain
buget, financial statements, grade sheets and sales records.
The purpose of this software is organizing numbers. It
alsoallows the users to perform simple or complex calculations
on the numbers. It displays multiple cells that together make up
a grid consisting of rows and columns each cell containing
either alpha-numeric text or numeric values. Spreadsheets are
frequently used for financial information because of their ability
to re-calculate the entire sheet automatically after a change to
a single cell is made. Examples are lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft
excel, open office, Cal and Quatpro but the Microsoft Excel has
dominated the commercial electronic spreadsheet market.
SPREAD
SHEETS

6. • This software is used to display the information
in the form of slide show. The three main
functions of presentation software is editing
that allows insertion and formatting of text,
methods to include graphics in the text and a
functionality of executing the slide shows. It
combines both visual & verbal elements. It also
allows the user to take printouts of the slides.
The best example for this type of application
software is Microsoft Powerpoint.
PRESENTATION
PROGRAMS

7. • Database is a collection of data. The purpose of this software is
to organize and manage data. It supports the structuring of the
database in a standard format and provides tools for data
input, verification, storage, retrieval, query and manipulation.
The advantage of this software is that the user can change the
way the data is stored and displayed. New categories of data
can be added to the database without disrupting the existing
database system. Ms access, dbase, foxpro, paradox and
oracle are some of the examples of database software.
DATABASE
SYSTEM

8. • These software are used to provide remote access to systems
and exchange files and messages in text, audio and video
formats over telephone lines through modems between
different computers or users. This includes terminal emulators,
file transfer programs, chat, programs instant messaging
programs etc. These softwares are also called productivity
softwares. Gmail, yahoo, rediff are the most common
examples of these softwares.
COMMUNICATIO
N SOFTWARE

9. • These softwares provide users with tools to view and edit
image files. While most operating systems include basic
graphics programs more advanced option like the GMP (GNU
image Manipulation Program) or Photoshop are necessary for
photographers and graphic designers to explore advanced
options of graphic softwares. Vector editing programs like
Adobe Illustrator also fall into this category.
GRAPHIC
SOFTWARES

10. • These software are used to provide remote access to systems
and exchange files and messages in text, audio and video
formats over telephone lines through modems between
different computers or users. This includes terminal emulators,
file transfer programs, chat, programs instant messaging
programs etc. These softwares are also called productivity
softwares. Gmail, yahoo, rediff are the most common
examples of these softwares.
COMMUNICATIO
N SOFTWARE

11. • These software are used to provide remote access to systems
and exchange files and messages in text, audio and video
formats over telephone lines through modems between
different computers or users. This includes terminal emulators,
file transfer programs, chat, programs instant messaging
programs etc. These softwares are also called productivity
softwares. Gmail, yahoo, rediff are the most common
examples of these softwares.
MULTIMEDIA
SOFTWARE

12. • These are the softwares that are used to
design images and pages and assemble type
and graphics then using a laser printer or
image setter to output the assembled pages
onto paper, film or printing plate. These
softwares are used to create documents with
complicated page designs, detailed
illustrations, and cameras ready typefaces like
books, magazines, newsletters etc.
DESKTOP
PUBLISHING
SOFTWARE

13. • These are the softwares that are used or
played for entertainment & fun. These games
are played on a general purpose computer.
Today, nearly every device consists screen
play games that provides interactive
entertainment experience for a wide and
diverse population. Angry birds, temple run are
the examples of android based games.
GAMES