Computer application package are prewritten computer programs designed for special or general

purpose tasks. Some applications packages perform single functions, while others integrate
several functions in a single package. They are specific in their functionality and do the job that
they are designed to do. They can perform many different related tasks.
Examples of computer application software programs are:
1. Word Processing Software
This is an Application software package that enables the user to type, edit, format, store, retrieve
and print mainly text-based document. Put in another way, this package turns an electronic
computer into an electronic typing machine. Examples of Word processors include Ms Word,
MultiMate, AmiPro, Word Perfect, Note pad, Word star and Letter Perfect.
Word processing application software is used to format, beautify and manipulate text, creating
memos, letters, faxes, and documents. It provides you a whole lot of features, including
thesaurus, synonyms and antonyms. Along with Word Art features, the font option lets you
change font color, effect, and style as per your choice. Grammar and spell check options are also
available to check for errors. It is also used for creating memos, faxes and letters. Word
processors are also used to create reports and personalized pages on the Web. It provides
numerous features making entering, editing and formatting written documents quick and precise.

Basic Features of Word Processing Software

 Word wrap - moves the insertion point to the next line when the current line is complete.
 Editing precision and efficiency e.g. Thesaurus, find and replace features etc.
 Inbuilt spelling and grammar checkers to locate words with spelling issues or
capitalization, sentence structure or punctuation problems.
 The autocorrect feature can be used to make corrections.
 AutoText inserts words or sentences into the document at the exact point one wants.
 AutoComplete even ensures the user does not even have to type the complete word to
include it in the document.
 Format or appearance - font appearance, font size, character effects such as bold, italic,
colours and shadow, alignment and lists.
 Most word processing software also generates reports and comes equipped with tools to
create figure captions, tables, headers, footers, endnotes and more.
 For web pages, word processors include predefined templates, hypertext links and
support for Web pages.

2. Web Application Software

Web browsers are application software used to browse the internet for locating and retrieving
data across the web. The most popular web browsers are Google Chrome and Internet Explorer.
Other examples of browsers include Firefox, MS Edge, Safari, etc.

3. Spreadsheets
This is a Programmable Application Package that mostly operates with Rows and Columns of
numbers on the Screen and allows the users to enter Values, Labels and Formulas for automated
calculations of some expected results. As the name suggests, Spreadsheets were simply a means
of spreading figures or numeric data items over a sheet of paper and carrying out calculations on
them. Typical examples of Spreadsheet Programs include Ms Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, Multiplan,
Supercalc, Viewsheet, Pipedream, Quattro etc. Spreadsheet application software is used to
perform calculations. In this software, data is stored in a table format. The intersecting area,
called cells, are separated to define fields such as text, date, time, and number. It allows the users
to provide formulas and functions to perform calculations.

Features of Spreadsheet
1. Spreadsheets organize, analyze and chart/graph numerical data such as financial reports
and budgets.
2. Spreadsheet programs are responsible for manipulating data and creating workbook files
comprising one/more related worksheets.
3. A worksheet or spreadsheet is a rectangle grid of rows and columns intersecting to create
cells.
4. Text entries or labels provide a structure to the worksheet through descriptions.
5. Numeric entries can be a number or a formula for calculating and processing information;
functions are prewritten formulas to perform calculations.
6. Spreadsheets involve ranges, text and numeric entries, functions, formulas, charts,
calculations and what-if analysis.  There are different chart types, including line, pie,
column and bar, which form part of the spreadsheet. They also provide other benefits like
titles, legends and data labels.

4. Database Package
Database application software is used to create and manage a database. MS Access, Lotus
Approach, Paradox, Oracle, MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and IBM
Db2 are some of the popular databases. It is a collection of relational data, which is an electronic
equivalent of a filing cabinet. It is a program for setting up or structuring a database. Databases
are used in offices, educational settings and organizations of different types. 3 of the most widely
used DBMS designed for microcomputers include Corel Paradox, Microsoft Access and Lotus
Approach. A relational database is used most widely as a database structure.  Every field in the
database is assigned a field size and data type. It is used to create and use databases such as filter
or criteria. Features include tools for sorting, filtering, creating forms, defining criteria and
authoring reports. DBMS is able to bring information stored in separate tables through queries,
forms and reports.
The query is a question or request for certain data in the database, while queries are used to view
data in different ways to analyze and change existing data. Database forms replicate traditional
print forms. DBMS is used chiefly for listing reports such as sales summaries, mailing labels and
phone lists.
DBMS is created through a plan where you design the basic structure of the system, and
employees can create table structure through the specification of fields, data types, and primary
key fields.

5. Presentation Package
Presentation graphics packages (e.g. PowerPoint, Lotus Freelance) are used to create slide shows
and presentations like this one which can be viewed on-screen or with a data or overhead
projector. It enables you to represent your thoughts and ideas with ease and clarity by using
visual information. It lets you display the information in the form of slides. You can make your
slide more informative and engrossing by adding text, images, graphs, and videos. It has three
components:
 Text editor to input and format text
 Insert graphics, text, video, and multimedia files
 Slideshow to display the information
Slides are used for electronic presentation, and there are layout, normal and slide show views. 
You can choose colour schemes, slide layouts, special effects, animation, transitions and builds.

6. Graphics packages 
Graphics application software allows you to edit or make changes in visual data or images. It
comprises illustration and picture editor software. Paint, PaintBrush, Serif Draw, Corel Draw
Adobe Photoshop and PaintShop Pro are a few examples of graphics software. This are used to
produce and manipulate artwork;

7. Multimedia software 
Multimedia application software lets you create or record images, and create audio or video files.
This software is extensively used in animation, graphics, image, and video editing. Popular
examples are VLC media player and Windows media player.

8. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) packages 

These are used to produce engineering designs and architectural plans. Examples are 2D-Design,
AutoCAD, TurboCAD

9. Simulation software 
Simulation application software is used in the fields of military engineering, practical education
in certain industries, machinery testing, industrial training, video games, etc. It is used where
work on the actual system or physical environment can be hazardous. It is a program that lets
you study or observe an operation, or phenomenon through simulation without actually doing
that operation. The best examples of simulation are in the field of robotics, flight systems, and
weather forecast, etc. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality technologies are also used to
develop application software that support simulations.

10. Education and reference software

This application software, also termed as academic software, is specifically designed to facilitate
learning of a particular subject. Various kinds of tutorial software are included in this category.
Some of these are JumpStart, MindPlay, Moodle, and Kid Pix.