Examples of Application Software

Quick Overview:
The blog offers insight into application software examples by dividing them into three major categories. All these categories provide a brief of the top apps used by the general public and businesses. In addition, the factors defining the paid and free nature of applications are also discussed for better understanding.

Categorised Examples of Application Software

Application software is a common term used for many types of application software available in the market. But, in reality, every app has its functionalities, making it unique and settling under an appropriate category. Here, we will help you understand that with an example of application software.

So, let’s quickly look at the most trending application software to choose the right one and improve overall productivity.

The Categories of Application Software

Primarily, the examples of application software are divided into three categories according to their usage and shareability. Firstly, let’s grab the concept of each category before exploring the popular examples under them.

General Purpose

Everyone uses general-purpose application software. From students to professionals to business owners, all utilize such apps for day-to-day tasks. The most common general application software examples include the following:

• Multimedia software
• Web browsers
• Word processing software
• Presentation software
• Simulation software and more

Business Purpose

The business purpose application software is used in SMEs and large enterprises, as they are designed to streamline core business operations. In addition, such applications help in the quick and efficient management of data, aiding in making appropriate decisions, enhancing customer satisfaction rates, and improving productivity.

Some of the most popular business application software are as follows:

• ERP Software (Enterprise Resource Planning)
• CRM Software (Customer Relationship Management)
• Project Management Software
• Database Management Software
• Time Management Software and more

Shareability

Shareability means that the application software is available for everyone or a limited set of users. Further, it’s divided into additional categories, which are paid and free. Again, it has to be decided between open and closed-source applications.

All these aspects come under the shareability factor, which determines the availability, cost, and license type.

General Purpose Application Software Example

Firstly, we’re going to undergo the most popular general-purpose examples of application software, which are listed below.

1: Web Browsers

Nowadays, everyone uses browsers, either on their desktop or mobile device. Web browsers are used to access websites and web applications on the internet. In addition, all significant file types can also be read and downloaded using the browsers. Some of the most reliable web browsers include Google Chrome, Safari, Vivaldi, Mozilla Firefox, and more.

2: Education Software

These types of application software are mostly used by students and working professionals. Such applications provide educational content for remote learning of a specific subject or concept. It benefits users by providing a learning experience across devices and operating systems at any time and anywhere.

Top education app software includes Udemy, Coursera, and Khan Academy.

3: Simulation Software

Simulation software has a broad scope, as it’s utilized for industrial training, military engineering, games, interior designing, and architecture. These kinds of apps provide a feel of the physical environment, helping users observe and study different situations. The most common examples of simulation software are MATLAB and Cisco Packet Tracer.

4: Spreadsheet Software

For complex mathematical calculations, handling extensive data, and even processing real-time information, spreadsheet application software is used. It contains rows, columns, and cells, which are used to organize data. Further, such apps also provide built-in functions to formulae inserted data.

Google Sheets, Libre Calc, and Microsoft Excel are the most popular spreadsheet apps used worldwide.

5: Graphics and Multimedia Software

Graphics application software is used to edit images and videos and create new illustrations. Adobe Photoshop is a common example of graphic software. In addition, multimedia applications are also integrated or utilized along with graphic software to run videos and view edited images.

Business Purpose Application Software Examples

Now, let’s look at some popular business-oriented application software.

1: Enterprise Resource Management Software

The main purpose of ERP application software is to automate the core business operations. Many other information systems can also be integrated, such as inventory, procurement, and accounts management. Some of the most used ERP systems are Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, and Odoo.

2: Project Management Software

Project management applications are used for multiple purposes, such as assigning tasks to project team members, tracking project requests, scheduling tasks, allocating resources, and much more. In addition, it aids in streamlining the collaboration and communication between the primary and secondary stakeholders.

3: Customer Relationship Application Software

The customer relationship application software is used by enterprises with a large user base. It helps them handle customer queries, streamline their experience, and centrally handle all associated details for better strategizing.

NetSuite, Zoho, and Salesforce are the top CRM solutions preferred by professionals in organizations.

Examples of Application Software Based on Shareability

Based on shareability, the following are the top application software examples.

1: Freeware: For freeware applications, users don’t have to pay any fee for download and utilization. For example, WhatsApp, Instagram, Mozilla Firefox, Google Sheets, etc.

2: Shareware:  This kind of application is freely available only for a limited period, such as a trial of one week or a month. After the trial expires, you have to buy a subscription or pay charges as applicable. For example, Microsoft Word, commercial version of VMWare, PyTorch IDE, and more.

3: Open-Source: Such applications are freely available to use with their codebase. You can modify the functioning of the application according to your needs, helping to fulfill business requirements. Mostly, server applications, such as Apache Web Server, are provided as open-source software.  

4: Closed-Source: As the name suggests, closed-source applications are the opposite of open-source. Their codebase is not provided for modifications, but they can be either paid for or free to use. For example, Virtual Box, Win RAR, Google Earth, Skype, etc.

Concluding Up

The application software is divided into three main categories, namely general purpose, business purpose, and shareability. All the applications are covered under only these three types. However, they are also cross-linked with each other. A general-purpose application can be closed-source and freeware. Similarly, other factors can be combined for software, helping you understand all its aspects.