What is an Application?

Application software is programs which allow you to perform tasks. Application software includes everything from gaming software to spreadsheet programs. Typically, application software will need to be installed on your computer. These programs come on CD-ROM, floppy disks, or can be downloaded from the Internet.

Some of the most common types of business applications software include:

• Word Processing Applications—create text based documents.
• Spreadsheet Applications—use formulas and functions to perform calculations and financial projections.
• Presentation Applications—combine images, animations, sound, and video to create multimedia presentations.
• Database Applications—control tables of data and allow those tables to searched and reorganized.
• Sound and Video Software—produce and edit digital audio and digital video.
• Graphics Software—create and manipulate digital images using brushes and filters.

You may use other types of applications on your personal computer at home, including video games, CD-ROM based encyclopedias, and educational programs.

Most software applications are copyrighted and require you to own a licensed copy of the software. Some copyrighted applications may not be distributed. Copying an application without permission is known as software piracy, and it is a crime. Application software known as shareware is programs which you can distribute, but they still cost money. Each person who uses shareware is responsible for registering the software and paying the applicable fee. Freeware software is also copyrighted, but can be distributed and costs no money.

Often application software programs will be packaged together and sold as one product known as a "suite." Microsoft combined Word 2002, Excel 2002, Access 2002, and PowerPoint 2002 into the Office XP suite, by far the most widely used of all the application suites. Microsoft also offers the Works Suite, which is less expensive than Office and includes a full version of Word. Other suites include Corel's WordPerfect Office 2002, Lotus' SmartSuite, and Sun's StarOffice. FreeThink is a new entry in the application suite market. It is sold on a subscription basis, and offers free online storage.