Handout
Application software is software designed to carry out specific tasks with an easy-to-use
interface to solve problems. The system software and application software work together, to
carry out tasks instructed by the user around the system. Without the availability of the
application software, users would not be able to type thousands of letters, prepare reports and
carry out accounting procedures in time to provide to business personnel or other individuals.
Most application programs run only one operating system.
Application software can be:
1. General-Purpose,
2. Special-Purpose
3. Custom-Written.
4. Integrated Software
General-Purpose: General-purpose software – also known as ‘off the shelf’ software. This is
the most popular application program that are used by organizations, businesses, schools and by
individuals at home. Examples include Microsoft Office (Word-Processing, Database
(Access), Spreadsheets-(Excel), Presentation and painting), Games, Math Tutor, Typing Tutor
etc. These programs are called general-purpose because the user decides what to use the software
for, e.g. word processing software can be used to write letters, reports and memos, databases can
be used for searching and sorting data etc.
Generally much cheaper since it used by millions of people around the world and they are
generally error (bug) free.
Custom-written software – also known as ‘tailor-made’. This is software written to meet
the specific needs of a company. It may be written by individuals within the company or
contracted out to a software house (a company that specializes in writing software). This
may be necessary because there are no commercial applications available. Custom written
software is very expensive.
Features of Custom Written Software

Tailored to Your Needs: Custom software is built from the ground up to match your
specific requirements. It is designed to address your unique challenges, processes,
and objectives, providing a perfect fit for your organization.

Scalability: Custom software can be designed to measure effortlessly as your
business grows. This flexibility ensures that your software remains relevant and
efficient as your needs change.

Enhanced Efficiency: Custom software can reorganize your workflows by
systematizing tasks and processes that are unique to your business. This can lead to
increased productivity and reduced operational costs.

Custom written software can be merge with existing systems and software,
enabling data sharing and improved collaboration across your organization.

Data Security: Custom software allows you to implement strong security measures,
protecting your sensitive data and ensuring obedience with industry rules.
CUSTOMISATION Software is the modification of a program to meet the specific needs
of a user.
a). A billing program for Electricity
Department
b). Stock Control for a Supermarket.
c). MARCOS for Microsoft Excel can automate some spreadsheet tasks.
Features

Better fit to users’ needs

More Flexible

Allows Users to adjust the look and feel of the software, including themes, colors,
fonts, and layout, to suit their preferences and workflow.

allows users to create or modify workflows, automation rules, and processes to align
with their specific business or personal tasks.
Specialized software – this is written solely for a specific task. Examples are software used by
air traffic controllers to manage the flights of thousands of aircrafts, accounting software,
airline reservations etc. Since this software is specific to an organization or business, it can be
very costly to create.
Specialized software can be in sub-categories such as:

Webpage Design e.g. Adobe Dreamweaver

Web Browser e.g. MS. Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari

Photo Editing e.g. Photoshop

Media Player e.g. Microsoft Groove
Specialized purpose Software is designed to perform specific or special tasks such as:

Accounting

engineering design

playing games

air traffic controllers to manage the flights of thousands of aircraft,

airline payroll packages

reservations packages

Stock Control Systems and Computer-Aided Design (CAD), used by engineers and
architects.
Integrated software – this software contains several related programs in one package, such as
word processing, spreadsheets, database, presentation programs etc. for example Microsoft
Office Professional 2007.