APPLICATION SOFTWARE

Application software is a type of computer program designed to help users perform

specific tasks or activities. Unlike system software, which manages hardware and runs the
system, application software is focused on practical, user-oriented tasks. Examples
include:

Categories of Application Software

There are several main categories of application software, which are:
1. General-purpose software
2. Special purpose software
3. Custom-written software
4. Integrated software

1. General- purpose Software

General-purpose software refers to application programs designed to perform a broad
range of tasks that are not specific to any one particular industry or specialized need.
These software applications are flexible and can be used by many different types of users
for various everyday functions.
Examples of general-purpose software include:
• Word Processors (e.g., Microsoft Word) for writing documents, reports, or letters.
• Spreadsheets (e.g., Microsoft Excel) for performing calculations, organizing data,
and creating charts.
• Presentation Software (e.g., PowerPoint) for creating slideshows for various
purposes.
• Web Browsers (e.g., Google Chrome, Firefox) for accessing websites and online
information.
• Email Clients (e.g., Outlook, Gmail) for sending and receiving emails.

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Advantages of General-Purpose Software
• It is very popular because it is usually relatively cheap
• New updates versions of the software are likely to be available on regular basis.
• They are not specific to a particular user
• The installation process is easy and takes less time to complete.
Disadvantages of General-Purpose Software
• It cannot perform specific tasks as would the custom written software
• Due to the availability to the public, it can have security risks for companies
• Potential for Unnecessary Features: General-purpose software may include features
that are irrelevant to a particular user, leading to a cluttered user interface or
confusing options that aren’t needed.

2. Special Purpose Software

Special purpose software is designed to perform a specific task or function, tailored to
meet the needs of a particular industry, unlike general-purpose software which serves
broader applications.
Examples: Meet Manager, AutoCad, Medical imaging systems, Flight control software and
Factory automation tools.
Advantages of Special-purpose Software
• It is designed to meet exact requirements, ensuring high efficiency in performing its
specialized task.
• The threat of viruses to this application is less likely, due to the fact that it is not a
software on the market, which will expose it to hackers and competitors.
• This type of software will receive regular updates from the developer for security
and various other reasons.
• Custom software can provide businesses with a competitive edge by offering unique
functionality that is not available in off-the-shelf solutions.
• Less Complex due to its narrow scope, it tends to have simpler interfaces and fewer
unnecessary features, making it easier to use.

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Disadvantages of Special-purpose Software
• Developing this type of application software is very expensive. This software
will affect a company's budget and their revenue flow.
• They software may not be compatible with other types software. This will
delay production in other departments in companies.
• Maintaining and updating special purpose software can be more complex,
especially if it’s not widely used or if the original developers are unavailable
• Scalability Issues: It may not scale well as the business or its needs grow,
potentially requiring redevelopment or replacement over time.

3. Custom-written Software
Custom-written software is a software which is written by a programmer according to the
requirements of the company and is ready to be used. For example: games, billing, health
and other programs.
Advantages of custom-written software:
• They are made according to the demand of the company so it is easier to process the
data and are user-friendly.
• As the business grows, the software can be adapted or expanded to handle increased
workloads or new functionalities.
• Companies may gain an edge over competitors by using unique tools and processes
embedded within their custom software.
• Since the software is developed specifically for the business, the organization has
full control over its features, updates, and future development.
Disadvantages of custom-written software:
• They are quite expensive because they need hiring a programmer to create the
software.
• Users need to be trained before using the new software as it has its own
requirements for each function.

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 • If a third-party developer creates the software, the business might become
dependent on them for future updates or maintenance.
• Custom software projects can take months or even years to complete, depending on
their complexity.
• Building custom software from scratch requires significant investment, both in
terms of money and time.

The term customization means to modify a program to suite a specific need of an

organization.

4. Integrated Software
Integrated Software are programs that are an interconnected suite of several application
programs that share a common database and user interface. Integrated software is ideal for
businesses or users who need a comprehensive suite of tools that work together efficiently,
particularly when dealing with shared data across different functions.
Examples are:
• Microsoft Office: Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, all designed to
work together within a common ecosystem
• Google Workspace (formerly G Suite): Includes Gmail, Google Docs, Sheets, and
Drive, allowing users to collaborate and share data across applications.
• Adobe Creative Cloud: A suite of applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, and
Premiere Pro that share resources and can transfer data between each
other seamlessly.
• ERP Systems: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) include modules that cover
functions such as finance, human resources, procurement, inventory management,
manufacturing, customer relationship management (CRM), and more.
• Advantages of custom-written software:
• Users can switch between applications without compatibility issues, improving
workflow and productivity.

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 • Since data is shared across the applications, there’s less duplication and fewer
errors.
• Bundling applications together often costs less than purchasing each software
separately.
• Users typically have to deal with a single vendor for support, updates, and upgrades.
• The shared interface makes it easier for users to learn and navigate the system.

Disadvantages of custom-written software:

• Each module is limited to a basic function
• Integrated suites may not offer as much flexibility as standalone specialized
software, potentially limiting advanced functionality.
• With a large set of features and tools in one package, some users might find
integrated systems overwhelming, particularly if they don’t need all the features.

In Class Activity
Scenario: Running Your Own Tech Store
You and your classmates are the management team of a new tech retail store called
TechSolutions. As part of running this business, you need to make decisions on the
different types of software to use for various business functions like sales, inventory,
marketing, and customer service. Each team must select software from four different
categories: general-purpose, special-purpose, custom-written, and integrated software.
Instructions
1. Place yourself into small groups (3-4 members)
2. Each group represents a different department of TechSolutions: Sales, Inventory,
Marketing, and Customer Support. As a team, you need to decide what type of
software would be most suitable for your department based on the tasks you handle.

1. Sales Department
Your job is to process customer purchases and handle daily sales reports.

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 • Question: Which type of software would you use to manage sales transactions?
• Why did you choose this type of software for sales management?

2. Inventory Department
You need to track the stock of gadgets and accessories in real-time and generate restocking
alerts.
• What software would you select to efficiently manage inventory?
• Explain why this type is best suited for tracking stock and generating alerts.
3. Marketing Department
You need to create marketing materials, manage social media campaigns, and track the
effectiveness of advertisements.
• Question: Which software would help your team create effective advertisements and
track performance?
• Justify your choice of software based on its purpose.
4. Customer Support Department
You are responsible for managing customer inquiries, complaints, and tracking service
tickets.
• Question: What type of software would help manage customer interactions and
improve response times?
• Defend your software choice, particularly how it meets your team’s needs.