What is computer application software, and

how does it differ from other categories of software?

What is computer application software, and how does it differ from
other categories of software?

The term 'software' refers to the set of electronic program

instructions or data a computer processor reads in order to perform
a task or operation.

“Hardware” refers to the physical components that you can see and
touch, such as the computer hard drive, mouse, and keyboard
Software can be categorized according to what it is designed to
accomplish. There are two main types of software: systems software
and application software.

Systems software includes the programs that are dedicated to

managing the computer itself, such as the operating system, file
management utilities, and disk operating system (or DOS). The
operating system manages the computer hardware resources in
addition to applications and data. Without systems software
installed in our computers we would have to type the
instructions for everything we wanted the computer to do!
Application software, or simply
applications/apps, are often called
productivity programs or end-user
programs because they enable the user
to complete tasks, such as creating
documents, spreadsheets, databases
and publications, doing online research,
sending email, designing graphics,
running businesses, and even playing
games! Application software is specific
to the task it is designed for and can be
as simple as a calculator application or
as complex as a word processing
application.
Application software programs are created to facilitate a variety of
functions, including but not limited to:
• managing information
• manipulating data
• constructing visuals
• coordinating resources
• calculating figures
Business application software is a subset of the application software. These
programs are built to facilitate certain business functions, improving the
accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness of operations. Business application
software programs achieve measurable objectives such as saving work time
and enhancing productivity.

Below are some popular examples of business applications that are commonly
used by organizations:
A Enterprise Resource Planning A Resource Management Software
A Customer Relationship Management A Database
A Project Management Software A Productivity Software
A Business Process Management Software A Scheduling Software
A Word Processor A Time Management Software
A Spreadsheet A Educational Software
Applications Function Output Example
Apple TextEdit -
Allows editing, formatting etc Corel WordPerfect.
of words, mail merge, Creates text based Google Docs (online and
Word free).
processing
inserting graphics, inserting documents eg letters, LibreOffice -> Writer (free).
files created in other reports, memos. Microsoft Office -> MS Word.
programs. OpenOffice -> Writer (free).
StarOffice
Google Sheets - (online and
free).
iWork Numbers - Apple
Creates number-based
Office Suite.
Allows calculations and worksheets useful for LibreOffice -> Calc (free).
Spreadsheet recalculations using planning, cash flow Lotus 1-2-3
Lotus Symphony -
mathematical formulae. forecasting and budget
Spreadsheets.
tracking. Microsoft Excel.
OpenOffice -> Calc (free).
VisiCalc
 Applications Function Output Example
Provides a layout program
Creates printed
that allows you to make Adobe InDesign,
documents, for example
different layouts, multi Microsoft Publisher,
Desktop Publishing newsletters, magazines, QuarkXPress, Serif
page documents, book
brochures, fliers, and PagePlus, and Scribus
folds insert pictures and
booklets.
text.
•Bitdefender
Allows users to protect PC •Trendmicro
units from infection to •Norton 360
different kinds of viruses •AVG
Anti-Virus
that cause damage to files, •Avira
system and application •Mcafee
•Watchdog
software •ESET
 Applications Function Output Example

ADABAS
Produces fact-based IBM DB2
Provides forms for data Microsoft Access
information stored in
entry and storage. Data can Microsoft Excel
related files eg formatted
Database be sorted, extracted, and Microsoft SQL Server
reports required for MySQL
reports printed from the
management based on Oracle RDBMS
database.
specific data required. Quick Base
SAP Sybase ASE
What does Storage Device mean?
A storage device is any computing hardware that is used for
storing, porting and extracting data files and objects. It can hold
and store information both temporarily and permanently, and can
be internal or external to a computer, server or any similar
computing device.

A storage device may also be known as a storage medium or

storage media.
Quiz
1. It is a programs that are dedicated to managing the computer
itself, such as the operating system, file management utilities,
and windows OS .
A. Systems software B Application Software .
2. These programs are built to facilitate certain business functions,
improving the accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness of
operations.
A. Personal Application Software
B. Business application software.
3. An application software that creates number-based worksheets
useful for planning, cash flow forecasting and budget tracking.
A. Spreadsheet B. Word Processing .
Quiz
4. Allows editing, formatting etc of words, mail merge, inserting
graphics, inserting files created in other programs.
A. Desktop Publishing B. Word processing.

5. Allows users to protect PC units from infection to different

kinds of viruses that cause damage to files, system and
application software.
A. Hardware B. Software
What is the difference between an app and an application?
An app is a piece of software designed for a single purpose or a single function.
An application, however, is a piece of software that performs a variety of related
functions. Typically, if an app breaks, life goes on, while applications are
considered critical to normal business function and are therefore considered to
be of higher value.
Additionally, apps are typically associated with mobile personal-use, whereas
applications are associated with use on all devices and typically serve personal
and business needs.
App Application
single purpose Performs a variety of related functions
Not critical for business function Critical for business function
Mobile First Can be used with full features across many device types
Typically associated to with personal use
Typically associated with personal and business use
only
Storage devices are one of the core components of any computing device.
They store virtually all the data and applications on a computer, except
hardware firmware. A storage device is used in the computers to store
the data. Provides one of the core functions of the modern computer.

Types of Storage

There are four type of storage:

• Primary Storage
• Secondary Storage
Primary Storage

• Also known as main memory.

• Main memory is directly or indirectly connected to the central processing
unit via a memory bus.
• Generally smaller in size, these are designed to hold data temporarily and
are internal to the computer. They have the fastest data access speed, and
include RAM and cache memory.
• Example:
– RAM – Random Access Memory
– ROM - Read Only Memory
– Cache
Primary Storage

RAM

• It is called Random Access Memory because any of the data in RAM can be
accessed just as fast as any of the other data.
• There are two types of RAM:
– DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)
– SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)
ROM

This memory is used as the computer begins to boot up.

• Small programs called firmware are often stored in ROM
chips on hardware devices (like a BIOS chip), and they
contain instructions the computer can perform some of the
basic functions require to operate by the hardware
• ROM memory cannot be easily or quickly overwritten or
modified.
Primary Storage

Cache

• Cache is a high-speed access area that can be either a reserved section of

main memory or a storage device.
• Most computers today come with L3 cache or L2 cache, while older
computers included only L1 cache.

Secondary Storage
• It is not directly accessible by the CPU.
• Computer usually uses its input/output channels to access
secondary storage and transfers the desired data using
intermediate area in primary storage.
• Example:
– Hard disk
Secondary Storage
Hard Disk
• The hard disk drive is the main, and usually largest, data storage device in a
computer.
• It can store anywhere from 160 gigabytes to 5 terabytes.
• Hard disk speed is the speed at which content can be read and written on a hard
disk.
• A hard disk unit comes with a set rotation speed varying from 4500 to 7200
rpm.
• Disk access time is measured in milliseconds.
External Hard disk
Internal Hard disk
Secondary Storage

Hard Disk Internal Hard disk External Hard disk

Portability No Yes
Price Less expensive More expensive
Speed Fast Slow
Size Big Small
Examples of computer storage

 Magnetic storage devices

Today, magnetic storage is one of the most common types of storage used with
computers. This technology found mostly on extremely large HDDs or hybrid
hard drives.

o Floppy diskette
o Hard drive
o Magnetic strip
o SuperDisk
o Tape cassette
o Zip diskette
o CD-ROM
Examples of computer storage

 Optical storage devices

Another common storage is optical storage, which uses lasers and lights as its
method of reading and writing data.

o Blu-ray disc
o CD-ROM disc
o CD-R and CD-RW disc.
o DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW disc.
Examples of computer storage

 Flash memory devices

Flash memory has replaced most magnetic and optical media as it becomes
cheaper because it is the more efficient and reliable solution.

USB flash drive, jump drive, or thumb drive. CF (CompactFlash)

Memory card MMC
NVMe SDHC Card
SmartMedia Card Sony Memory Stick
SD card SSD
xD-Picture Card
Examples of computer storage

 Online and cloud

Storing data online and in cloud storage is becoming popular as people need to
access their data from more than one device.

o Cloud storage
o Network media
Storage Devices
SSD vs HDD
Most people now buy laptops for their computing needs and have to
make the decision between getting either a Solid State Drive (SSD) or
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) as the storage component.
What is an SSD?
• SSD stands for Solid State Drive.
• SSD can be thought of as an oversized and more sophisticated version of the
humble USB memory stick.
• Like memory stick storage, there are no moving parts to an SSD. Rather,
information is stored in microchips.
• A typical SSD uses what is called NAND-based flash memory. This is a non-volatile
type of memory. Means that you can turn off the disk and it won’t “forget” what
was stored on it. This is of course an essential characteristic of any type of
permanent memory.
Storage Devices
SSD stands for Solid State Drive.

The form factor of the SSD can be the same as a

regular hard drive. It comes in a standard 1.8”, 2.5”, or
3.5” size that can fit into the housing and connectors
for the same-sized hard drives. The connector used for
these standard sizes is SATA. There are smaller SSDs
available that use what’s called mini-SATA (mSATA) and
fit into the mini-PCI Express slot of a laptop. There are
also newer SSDs that can take advantage of the NVMe
interface to deliver the fastest possible SSD speed on
the market. NVMe SSDs will be more expensive than
SATA SSDs, but for the best SSD read/write speed,
NVMe is the way to go.
Storage Devices
What is an HDD?
HDD stands for Hard Disk Drive.
• A hard disk drive (sometimes abbreviated as hard drive, HD, or HDD) is a non-
volatile memory hardware device that permanently stores and retrieves data on
a computer. A hard drive is a secondary storage device that consists of one or
more platters to which data is written using a magnetic head, all inside of an air-
sealed casing. Internal hard disks reside in a drive bay, connect to the
motherboard using an ATA, SCSI, or SATA cable, and are powered by a connection
to the PSU (power supply unit).
Storage Devices
What is stored on a hard drive?
A hard drive can be used to store any data, including pictures, music, videos,
text documents, and any files created or downloaded. Also, hard drives store
files for the operating system and software programs that run on the
computer.

What are the sizes of hard drives?

The hard drive is often capable of storing more data than any other drive,
but its size can vary depending on the type of drive and its age. Older hard
drives had a storage size of several hundred MB (megabytes) to several GB
(gigabytes). Newer hard drives have a storage size of several hundred
gigabytes to several TB (terabytes). Each year, new and improved technology
allows for increasing hard drive storage sizes.
SSD and HDD Comparison :
Attribute SSD (Solid State Drive) HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
Power Draw / Battery Less power draw, averages 2 – 3 More power draw, averages 6 –
Life watts, resulting in 30+ minute 7 watts and therefore uses
battery boost more battery
Cost Expensive, roughly $0.20 per Only around $0.03 per
gigabyte (based on buying a 1TB gigabyte, very cheap (buying a
drive) 4TB model)
Capacity Typically not larger than 1TB for Typically around 500GB and
notebook size drives; 4TB max for 2TB maximum for notebook
desktops size drives; 10TB max for
desktops
Operating System Around 10-13 seconds average Around 30-40 seconds average
Boot Time bootup time bootup time
Noise There are no moving parts and as Audible clicks and spinning can
such no sound be heard
SSD and HDD Comparison :
Attribute SSD (Solid State Drive) HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
Vibration No vibration as there are no moving The spinning of the platters
parts can sometimes result in
vibration
Heat Produced Lower power draw and no moving HDD doesn’t produce much
parts so little heat is produced heat, but it will have a
measurable amount more
heat than an SSD due to
moving parts and higher
power draw
Failure Rate Mean time between failure rate of Mean time between failure
2.0 million hours rate of 1.5 million hours

Operating System Around 10-13 seconds average Around 30-40 seconds average
Boot Time bootup time bootup time
SSD and HDD Comparison :
Attribute SSD (Solid State Drive) HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
File Copy / Write Generally above 200 MB/s and up The range can be anywhere
Speed to 550 MB/s for cutting edge drives from 50 – 120MB / s

Encryption Full Disk Encryption Full Disk Encryption (FDE)

(FDE) Supported on some models Supported on some models

File Opening Speed Up to 30% faster than HDD Slower than SSD

Magnetism An SSD is safe from any effects of Magnets can erase data
Affected? magnetism
Requirements for Internet search
A. Browser is software that is used to access the internet. A browser lets
you visit websites and do activities within them like login, view
multimedia, link from one site to another, visit one page from another,
print, send and receive email, among many other activities. The most
common browser software titles on the market are: Microsoft Internet
Explorer, Google's Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple's Safari, and Opera.
Browser availability depends on the operating system your computer is
using (for example: Microsoft Windows, Linux, Ubuntu, Mac OS, among
others).
Requirements for Internet search
B. URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

A URL (Uniform Resource Locator), as the name suggests,

provides a way to locate a resource on the web, the hypertext
system that operates over the internet. The URL contains the
name of the protocol to be used to access the resource and a
resource name. The first part of a URL identifies what protocol
to use. The second part identifies the IP address or domain
name where the resource is located.

https://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/definition/URL
Requirements for Internet search
What does Search Engine mean?
Search engine is a service that allows Internet users to search for
content via the World Wide Web (WWW). A user enters keywords
or key phrases into a search engine and receives a list of Web
content results in the form of websites, images, videos or other
online data. The list of content returned via a search engine to a
user is known as a search engine results page (SERP).

https://www.techopedia.com/definition/12708/search-engine-
world-wide-web
List of Top 10 Most Popular Search Engines In the World (Updated 2018)
1. Google
No need for further introductions. The search engine giant holds the first place in
search with a stunning difference of 66% from second in place Bing.

2. Bing
Bing is Microsoft’s attempt to challenge Google in the area of search, but despite
their efforts they still did not manage to convince users that their search engine
can produce better results than Google.

3. Yahoo
Since October 2011 Yahoo search is powered by Bing. Yahoo is still the most
popular email provider and according to reports holds the fourth place in search.

4. Ask.com
Formerly known as Ask Jeeves, Ask.com receives approximately 0.05% of the
search share. ASK is based on a question/answer format where most questions
are answered by other users or are in the form of polls.
5. AOL.com
According to netmarketshare the old time famous AOL is still in the top 10 search engines
with a market share that is close to 0.04%. The AOL network includes many popular web
sites like engadget.com, techchrunch.com and the huffingtonpost.com.

6. Baidu
Baidu was founded in 2000 and it is the most popular search engine in China. It’s market
share is increasing steadily and according to Wikipedia, Baidu is serving billion of search
queries per month. It is currently ranked at position 4, in the Alexa Rankings.

7. Wolframalpha
Wolframalpha is different that all the other search engines. They market it as a
Computational Knowledge Engine which can give you facts and data for a number of topics.
It can do all sorts of calculations, for example if you enter “mortgage 2000” as input it will
calculate your loan amount, interest paid etc. based on a number of assumptions.
8. DuckDuckGo
Has a number of advantages over the other search engines. It has a clean interface, it does not track users, it is
not fully loaded with ads and has a number of very nice features (only one page of results, you can search
directly other web sites etc).

9. Internet Archive
archive.org is the internet archive search engine. You can use it to find out how a web site looked since 1996. It
is very useful tool if you want to trace the history of a domain and examine how it has changed over the years.

10. Yandex.ru
According to Alexa, Yandex.ru is among the 30 most popular websites on the Internet with a ranking position of
4 in Russian.

Yandex present themselves as a technology company that builds intelligent products and services powered by
machine learning. According to Wikipedia, Yandex operates the largest search engine in Russia with about 65%
market share in that country.

As a final word, if you search “What is the best search engine?” in any of the search engines listed above, you
will get an answer that Google is the best and most popular search engine and Bing is in the second place (on a
Global level).