Types Of Computer Applications
What are the types of computer applications? Computer applications are programs that have been written to serve specific needs that can be executed within the computing environment. There are as many types of computer applications as there are possible uses of the computer.
There isn’t a standard method of grouping the myriad types of computer applications, but they can be sorted according to their similarity in functions.
APPLICATION SUITE
Application suites are software packages which are bundled together and sold as one unit. These softwares are often inter related in one way or the other. One example is the Microsoft Office Suite: it contains Access for databases, Word for text editing, Outlook for managing emails, Excel for creating spreadsheets, PowerPoint for presentations and other softwares. Office is among the few softwares that many people can distinguish from the many types of computer applications.
On the Linux platform, Open Office provides Linux users with a similar set of softwares. Virtually all platforms possess a suite whose software offer these different services.
There are also application suites developed for graphic software, the best example being Adobe CS, which comes with web design softwares such as Dreamweaver, and picture editing softwares too.
MULTIMEDIA SOFTWARE
One of the most use of computers is in providing all sorts of entertainment; countless softwares have been created to meet this demand. Multimedia softwares are used in the creation of audiovisual content. These softwares range from Format Factory which can convert one file type to another to more expensive setups used in the professional creation of music beats. Multimedia software also include media players that have been created to play such produced music, videos, recordings etc.; examples of such applications is the virtually ubiquitous VLC and Windows Media, which comes pre-installed with Microsoft operating systems. It’s impossible to survive without types of computer applications
ENTERPRISE SOFTWARE
While most of the previous types of computer applications are created to cater to a large clientele, enterprise software is often bespoke. They are usually used in streamlining the management of a company and can include many other softwares, bespoke or ‘generic’. Some of the components of such a vast system could include a biometric system for a computerized check in and check outs, accounting software, a system to track customer satisfaction, a security surveillance system among others. Enterprise application software is often used to increase the efficiency of an enterprise.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE
These are application softwares that are used in the design and analysis of real-world objects. The greatest application of them is in the engineering of new things such as bridges, tunnels, skyscrapers and the likes. These softwares are often termed as Computer-Aided Design softwares and they enable designers and engineers to tweak out disastrous points in their build virtually, so that when actual building starts, the probability of disaster is significantly reduced.
EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE
Most hard copies of books has been digitized and used to create a vast wealth of knowledge. The ability to read digitized copies of books is not the only use computers have had so far. Softwares have also been used in helping students polish their referencing methods and also enabled them access Profs and lecturers continents away.
Similarly too, simulation softwares have been used as an education tool in different circumstances; flight schools and battlefield simulators are among the more common usage of educational software.
