Topic 4: Application Software

What is application software??
It is computer software designed to help the user to perform singular or multiple related specific tasks. It is also a subclass of computer software that employs the capabilities of a computer directly and thoroughly to a task that the user wishes to perform. It should be contrasted with system software and middle ware, which manage and integrate a computer’s capabilities, but typically do not directly apply them in the performance of tasks that benefit the user.

What are the types of application software??
It has two types of software :-
1) Written Software
2) Off the shelf software

- Written software is is a type of software that is developed either for a specific organization or function designed by a specialist or programmer that differs from or is opposite of other already available software. It is generally not targeted to the mass market, but usually created for companies, business entities, and organizations. Custom software also refers to when companies or governments pay for customized software for budget or project managing.

Advantages :-
• Meets purpose exactly
• Small hard disk footprint compared to off the shelf software
• Specialist backup
• Source code
Disadvantages :-
• More expensive than the off the shelf software
• May have mistakes in code (untested) which will cost money to money
• Not immediately available
• Very limited overall backup and storage

- Off the shelf software is a term defining technology which is ready-made and available for sale, lease, or license to the general public.

Advantages :-
• Usually cheaper than the written software
• Already been tested
• Choices of brand
• Immediately available, no time delaying in implementing
• Support from a variety of sources
Disadvantages :-
• Large memory footprint
• Many features are not required
• Not completely suited to purpose