What is application software?
Application software is software intended for end-user use, such as word processors, web browsers, media players, and mobile apps. It is distinct from system software that operates or administers a computer.
What is the difference between application software and system software?
Application software is user-facing and task-oriented, while system software focuses on hardware orchestration and resource management. The distinction can be subjective, as seen in legal debates like whether a web browser is part of the OS.
When did the term 'app' become popular?
The abbreviation 'app' became popular with the 2008 introduction of the iOS App Store, referring to mobile applications. Later, with the Mac App Store (2010) and Windows Store (2011), it came to mean end-user software generally.
What is a killer application? Give an example.
A killer application is so popular that it increases demand for its host platform. For example, VisiCalc, the first modern spreadsheet, helped sell Apple II computers into offices.
What is a software suite? Give an example.
A software suite bundles multiple applications with related functions and user interfaces that can interact, such as opening each other's files. Examples include Microsoft Office, LibreOffice, and iWork.
What is proprietary software?
Proprietary software is protected by exclusive copyright, and a software license grants limited usage rights. It may allow third-party add-ons.
What is free and open-source software (FOSS)?
FOSS can be run, distributed, sold, and extended for any purpose. It is often perpetual and royalty-free, though license terms may have exceptions or limitations.
What is public-domain software?
Public-domain software is a type of FOSS that is royalty-free and can be run, distributed, modified, or republished without copyright attribution. It can even be sold, but the public-domain status is not transferred.
Name three platforms on which applications can run.
Applications can run on operating systems (native), web browsers (web applications), and cloud or mobile platforms.
What is a web application?
A web application runs in a web browser, as opposed to a native application that runs in the environment of a computer's operating system.
What is the debate about web apps vs. native apps?
There is debate about whether web apps will replace native apps, especially on mobile devices. Web apps have increased in popularity, but native apps have advantages and are unlikely to disappear; they can be complementary and integrated.
What is a horizontal application? Give an example.
A horizontal application is general-purpose and widespread, such as a word processor or database.
What is a vertical application? Give an example.
A vertical application is niche, designed for a specific industry or department, such as software for manufacturing, banking, or customer service.
What does it mean to 'combine applications across devices' in a creative project?
It means selecting and using multiple applications on different devices (e.g., smartphone, tablet, computer) to achieve a challenging goal, planning the project, and choosing the right tool for each task.
What is the first step in a creative project combining applications?
The first step is planning the project, which includes defining the goal and identifying the tasks that need to be accomplished.
Why is it important to choose the right tool for each task in a creative project?
Choosing the right tool ensures efficiency and effectiveness, as different applications have different strengths. For example, a spreadsheet for data analysis and a word processor for writing a report.
What does 'meeting the needs of known users' mean in this context?
It means designing the project output to suit the specific requirements and preferences of the intended audience, such as classmates, teachers, or a client.
Give an example of combining applications across devices for a creative project.
For a school project, you might use a smartphone to record video, a tablet to edit the video with an app, and a computer to create a presentation that embeds the video and adds text.
What is the role of application software in a computing system?
Application software translates complex system capabilities into task-oriented workflows, focusing on user interaction and domain-specific functionality.
How can applications be distributed?
Applications may be bundled with the computer and its system software or published separately. They can be proprietary or open-source.
What is the significance of the GNU/Linux naming controversy in relation to application vs. system software?
It highlights the subjective distinction between the Linux kernel (system software) and the operating systems built over it, which may include applications.
What is an example of an embedded system where application and OS software are indistinguishable?
Software used to control a VCR, DVD player, or microwave oven is an example where the user cannot distinguish between application and operating system software.
What is an application programming interface (API)?
An API is a concept related to programs and software in general, not just application software. It allows different software components to communicate.