4.1. Application oftware

It consists of programs that perform specific tasks to a user. Application software is used for a variety of reasons.

•      As a business tool.

•      To assist with graphics and multimedia projects

•      To support home, personal, and educational activities.

•      To facilitate communication

Most application software are available as packed software that can be purchased in a software shop or the web. Application software is available of forms. i.e. packages (off-shelf) custom, shareware, freeware and public domain.

Packaged software (off-shelf)

This is a mass produced, copy written retail software that meets the needs of wide variety of users not just a single user or company. Application software are available in general nature 

Custom software

These are software designed to meet the needs of a particular organization or user (consumer) and performs function specific for the business or industry. Sometimes the company cannot find package software that meets its requirement so it orders for a custom software

Shareware

This is a copy written software that it is distributed free for a trial period

To use a share ware program beyond that period you send the payment to the person or a company that developed that program

Free ware

This software is provided at no cost to a user by an individual or a company Public ware

Is an application software that is designed for the public.

Starting and interacting with an application software To use application software you must instruct the operating system to start the program