What are applications?
- Application software is software designed to perform a specific task or tasks for a user
- Application types include word processors, database management, web browsers, graphics manipulation, games and many more
- Application software enables users to perform tasks like creating documents, managing data, and surfing the web
Common types of application software
| Type | Purpose | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Word Processor | For creating, editing, formatting and printing text documents. | Microsoft Word, Google Docs |
| Database Management Software | For storing, retrieving, manipulating and managing data. | MySQL, Oracle |
| Web Browser | For browsing the web and accessing information online. | Google Chrome, Firefox |
| Graphics Manipulation | For editing and manipulating images, photos and graphic designs. | Adobe Photoshop, GIMP |
| Spreadsheet Software | For organising, calculating and analysing numerical data. | Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets |
| Presentation Software | For creating visual and multimedia presentations. | Microsoft PowerPoint, Keynote |
| Antivirus Software | To protect the computer system from viruses and other malicious software. | Norton, McAfee |
| Email Client | For managing and accessing email across different email providers. | Outlook, Thunderbird |
| Video Editing Software | For editing and producing videos and films. | Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro |
| Integrated Development Environment (IDE) | For developing, testing and debugging software code. | Visual Studio, IntelliJ IDEA |
| Virtualisation Software | For creating and running virtual machines on a single physical machine. | VMware, VirtualBox |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Exam questions on this topic typically present a scenario and then require a recommendation of suitable software. Do not quote specific software like Word or Chrome — instead refer to the type of software, e.g. Web Browser.
How to recommend an application:
- Carefully read the scenario and identify the specific tasks the user must perform
- Identify two or more software applications that have features to complete these tasks
- Write your recommendation and clearly state how the application feature helps achieve the user needs from the scenario
Worked Example
‘Bee Bank’ is a new online bank launching next year. The directors of the bank have set a target to open 10,000 new accounts in the first month. To open accounts for new customers, the bank needs to write to them by letter and store their data somewhere.
Recommend two types of application software for the bank and explain your choice.
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How to answer this question:
- Identify user tasks from the scenario
- Recall software applications that would assist in completing these tasks
- Clearly state what feature about the application helps the user achieve these tasks
Answer:
Example answer that gets full marks: For Bee Bank, I recommend the following two types of application software:
- Word Processor: A word processor like Microsoft Word is ideal for creating, editing, formatting, and printing letters, meeting the bank’s need to communicate with new customers.
- Database Management System (DBMS): A DBMS like Oracle Database offers robust data management features, including secure data storage, retrieval, and manipulation, meeting the bank’s need to hold and manage customer data.
Acceptable answers you could have given instead:
For the new bank, I recommend using a Word Processor such as Microsoft Word to create letters to send to customers and a Database Management System (DBMS) like Oracle Database to securely store and manage customer data.