PC software includes the programs and applications we use to make our computers more efficient or productive. Examples include word processors, music and media players, video games, and communication programs like Skype or Google Hangouts.
There are four main types of pc software: system software, middleware, application software, and device drivers. System software manages hardware and basic system operations.
What is an application?
An application, also known as software program or application software, is a computer program that performs a specific function for end users. Applications are used to complete tasks like word processing and web browsing.
These programs can range from productivity tools such as word processors and note taking apps to entertainment software like video games and social media programs. They can also include utility programs such as clocks and calendars or online communication tools.
The term app is most commonly used to describe mobile applications, but desktop and laptop applications can also be referred to as apps. These programs often have an icon on a computer’s desktop or in the toolbar of a web browser.
Applications can be grouped into different categories, depending on the type of interface they use, licensing style and what platform they run on. For example, system software handles how hardware and OS work together and is usually the first application loaded into memory if the computer boots up. Proprietary applications, such as Adobe Photoshop, are owned by their vendors and are typically protected by copyright law. Open source software is freely distributed and can be modified by end users and developers.
What is a program?
A program is a set of instructions that a computer follows to perform specific functions. Computer programs are made ready for execution by first understanding the problem and then creating its pseudocode i.e. a rough idea in one of the programming languages and later converting it into machine code using a compiler or interpreter. This is then stored in memory and used to direct hardware devices.
There are many types of pc software programs that are used to make computers more efficient, productive or enjoyable. These include programs to play music and video games, create and edit documents and connect with on line services. These programs are also referred to as application software. Other types of pc software programs include system software that handles how the hardware and software work together, like how your pc boots up or shuts down. Electric software programs, such as disk cleanup applications from Piriform, are designed to keep your pc running smoothly and efficiently.
What is a desktop application?
Designed to operate in an isolated environment, desktop applications offer enhanced security and fewer vulnerabilities compared to web-based solutions. They provide direct access to local files and resources, allowing users to modify hardware components and interact with other software installed on the device.
Enterprises can customize desktop software to align with existing infrastructure, databases, and internal systems, providing a tailored solution that fits seamlessly into workflows. This feature is especially valuable for highly regulated industries and high-value data.
Like any other software program, desktop apps can be vulnerable to cyberattacks, such as privilege escalation, in which flaws are exploited by malicious actors to gain elevated access. These attacks may lead to unauthorized access, theft, or loss of sensitive information. Unlike web SaaS, desktop applications must be manually updated by end-users, which increases the risk of outdated application versions and a lack of functionality. Effective update management practices are essential for addressing these challenges and maintaining security and compliance.
What is a mobile application?
Whether scrolling social media in the elevator, checking bank statements on the bus or ordering a ride through Uber, mobile applications allow us to access services, information and content anywhere we go. These self-contained software programs take advantage of the evolution of mobile computing hardware, which has moved from simple cell phones that allowed only calls to smartphones with multi-core processors, large memory modules and advanced touch screens.
Unlike desktop apps, mobile apps are based on a variety of mobile operating systems and require consideration for the demands, constraints and capabilities of the devices they run on. Developers build mobile apps for a wide range of purposes, from productivity tools like word processing and email to entertainment and communication apps such as games and social media platforms.
Mobile apps are developed using frameworks such as React Native, Flutter and Xamarin that enable cross-platform development from a single codebase. They may also be built using languages like Python that are well suited for back-end logic and data-heavy operations.