The distinction betweensystem and application software is subjective and has been the subject of controversy.[7] For example, one of the key questions in theUnited States v. Microsoft Corp.antitrust trial was whether Microsoft'sInternet Explorerweb browser was part of itsWindows operating system or a separate piece of application software. As another example, theGNU/Linux naming controversy is, in part, due to disagreement about the relationship between theLinux kernel and the operating systems built over thiskernel. In some types ofembedded systems, the application software and the operating system software may be indistinguishable by the user, as in the case of software used to control aVCR,DVD player, ormicrowave oven. The above definitions may exclude some applications that may exist on some computers in large organizations. For an alternative definition of an app: seeApplication Portfolio Management.
Assoftware suite consists of multiple applications bundled together. They usually have related functions, features, and user interfaces, and may be able to interact with each other, e.g. open each other's files.Business applications often come in suites, e.g.Microsoft Office,LibreOffice andiWork, which bundle together a word processor, a spreadsheet, etc.; but suites exist for other purposes, e.g. graphics or music.
Proprietary software is protected under an exclusive copyright, and asoftware license grants limited usage rights. Such applications may allowadd-ons from third parties.
Public-domain software is a type of FOSS that is royalty-free and can be run, distributed, modified, reversed[further explanation needed], republished, or created in derivative works without anycopyright attribution and thereforerevocation. It can even be sold, but without transferring the public domain property to other single subjects. Public-domain software can be released under a (un)licensing legal statement, which enforces those terms and conditions for an indefinite duration (for a lifetime, or forever).
There has been a contentious debate regarding web applications replacing native applications for many purposes, especially on mobile devices such assmartphones andtablets. Web apps have indeed greatly increased in popularity for some uses, but the advantages of applications make them unlikely to disappear soon, if ever. Furthermore, the two can be complementary, and even integrated.[11][12][13]
Application software can be seen as eitherhorizontal orvertical.[14][15] Horizontal applications are more popular and widespread, because they are general purpose, for example word processors or databases. Vertical applications areniche products, designed for a particular type of industry or business, or department within an organization. Integrated suites of software will try to handle every specific aspect possible of, for example, manufacturing or banking worker, accounting, or customer service.
Provides common capabilities needed to support enterprisesoftware systems. (Examples include databases, email servers, and systems for managing networks and security.)
Lets users create and manage information, often for individual projects within a department, in contrast to enterprise management. Examples includetime management,resource management, analytical, collaborative and documentation tools. Word processors,spreadsheets, email and blog clients, personal information systems, and individual media editors may aid in multiple information worker tasks.
Content access
Used primarily to access content without editing, but may include software that allows for content editing. Such software addresses the needs of individuals and groups to consumedigital entertainment and published digital content. (Examples includemedia players,web browsers, and help browsers.)
Related to content access software, but has the content or features adapted for use by educators or students. For example, it may deliver evaluations (tests), track progress through material, or include collaborative capabilities.
Simulates physical or abstract systems for either research, training, or entertainment purposes.
Media development
Generates print and electronic media for others to consume, most often in a commercial or educational setting. This includesgraphic-art software, desktop publishing software, multimedia development software, HTML editors, digital-animation editors, digital audio and video composition, and many others.[17]
Refers to video games, screen savers, programs to display motion pictures or play recorded music, and other forms of entertainment which can be experienced through the use of a computing device.
Much of the software used todevelop software is classified asutility instead of application software, but classification of types of programs is subjective.
