What is Application Software? Types & Examples

What is Application Software? Types & Examples

Application software offers numerous options tailored to meet diverse needs and objectives. Choosing the right application software can transform operations and drive efficiency and also, positively impact business outcomes.

There are multiple choices in application software. In this blog, we will group them into three different categories: general, business, and custom applications. 

Keep reading to learn about them in detail!

General Applications Business Applications Application Based on Shareability
Graphics SoftwareCustomer Relationship Management Application SoftwareFreeware
Word Processing SoftwareEnterprise Resource Planning Application SoftwareShareware
Web BrowsersProject Management Application SoftwareOpen Source
Presentation SoftwareBusiness Process Management Application Software Closed Source
Multimedia SoftwareBusiness Process Management Application Software
Education and Reference SoftwareDatabase
Simulation SoftwareResource Management Application Software
Information Worker SoftwareProductivity Software
Time Management Application Software
Educational Software

Understand Application Software

It is a computer program that performs a specific function i.e. educational, business, or personal. It is also known as an end-user program or a productivity program.

In general terms, each application is designed to help users with particular tasks related to productivity, creativity, or communication. this application program aims to simplify operations and assist users in completing their tasks easily

Think about completing your tasks, jotting down notes, doing online research, keeping an account log-in, setting the alarm, playing games, etc., there are varieties of application software programs that can help you. Such as, programs are made to perform specific tasks, simplify workflows, and even enhance team communication. Here are the most common examples of application programs:

  • Microsoft products like MS Office, PowerPoint, MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Internet browsers like Chrome, Safari, etc.
  • Graphics and Design Software like Adobe Photoshop, Canva, and AutoCAD.
  • Online communication tools such as Skype, Hangouts, Zoom, and WhatsApp.
  • Project Management Software like Asana, Slack, Teams, Forecast, etc.

Things to Consider In an Application Software

Additionally, there are many application software available in the market today, some come with pre-built features you can customize. However, sometimes, you can build a new application with your desired features. It is a fact that no application software is the same, Many perform best and others are completely at worst. This is why you should ensure that the software meets all your requirements and is useful.

Now, the question is how to know the right application software. Here we will help you how to choose:

Performance

The software should be fast, and error-free in both function and interface.

User Experience

A better user interface (UI) for users to navigate reality and smoothly, use the features of the application.

Security

This one is a must. Ensure the confidentiality, authentication, and integrity of user data and lower the risk of external attacks.

Accessibility

The application software should be compatible with the operating system and easily accessible to the widest range of users.

Scalability

Software should be able to manage increasing and decreasing volumes of data operations, transactions, and all the services

Customer Support

Better customer service to proactively engage them and troubleshoot all the user queries.

What are the Functions of Application Software?

In general terms, Application software programs are designed to execute a large variety of functions. The functions usually vary depending on the user’s needs. Below are a couple of examples of the functions of application software:

  • Document Manager
  • Data analysis and information management
  • Graphics, animations, and video development
  • Business project management
  • Project Management
  • Emails, text messaging, audio and video conferencing
  • LMS and learning software

System Software and Application Software – Know the Difference

SYSTEM SOFTWARE

  • It controls and handles the hardware and other resources of the system.
  • The operating system pre-installs the system software.
  • This is also known as general-purpose software.
  • System software acts as a platform and runs in the background.
  • Users are not able to interact with the system software.
  • A system must function.
  • This software can run independently.
  • Examples of system software are compiler, debugger, driver, assemble, and more.

APPLICATION SOFTWARE

  • It completes tasks for a specific purpose as per user requests.
  • Users can easily download and install application software, which is third-party software, according to their requirements.
  • It can’t run independently.
  • The system software provides the platform and hosts it.
  • People refer to it as specific-purpose software.
  • Application software runs in the foreground and performs tasks based on user requests.
  • Users can easily interact with such types of software.
  • Examples of system software are word processors, web browsers, media players, photoshop, etc.

Types of Application Software

In this digital era, every sphere of business needs application software. The use of the software is rampant across every domain such as banking, education, healthcare, retail, travel, etc. Opting for the right application software for your particular requirements enhances function and efficiency. Knowing the different types of software will help you save costs, time, and resources, enhance productivity, and improve decision-making. Also, application software can be broadly classified into three categories – General Applications, Business Applications, and Custom Developed Applications. 

General Application Software

This program performs a variety of essential functions that users need on a system. It includes numerous application software. Such as:

  • Word Processing Software
  • Multimedia Software
  • Graphic Software
  • Spreadsheet Software
  • Education and Reference Software
  • Presentation Software
  • Web Browsers
  • Simulation Software
  • Content Access Software
  • Information Worker Software

Here’s an attempt to clarify a few application software from the list:

Word Processing Software

This is used to format and manipulate text, thus helping in creating memos, faxes, letters, documents, etc. Word processing software is also used to format and beautify the text. It offers multiple features including thesaurus, antonyms, synonyms, etc.

Graphics Software

This application edits or makes necessary changes to visual data or pictures. It also includes illustrations and picture editor software. Canva and Adobe Photoshop are the best examples of graphic software. 

Spreadsheet Software

Spreadsheet software is mainly used to perform calculations – As so far, this application stores data in a tabular format in rows and columns. Well, the intersecting cells are separated to define text, date, time, and number fields. It enables users to do several calculations and functions using different formulas.

Presentation software

This software enables you to put your thoughts and ideas in a piece of visual information. Then, it lets you display the information in the form of slides, adding text, images, graphs, and videos to make your presentation more informative. 

Web Browsers

It is used to browse the internet for locating and retrieving data across the web. Browser software enables you to watch videos, download images, read files, etc. The most popular web browsers are Google Chrome and Firefox.

Education and Reference Software

This is also known as academic software as they are designed to facilitate learning a particular subject. This kind of software is advantageous in the education industry. Google Earth and NASA World Wind are some examples of educational software.

Simulation Software

This kind of software is used in military engineering, machinery testing, industrial training, robotics, weather forecasting, and many others. It replicates life-like conditions when the actual system or physical environment can be hazardous or inaccurate. It is a program that lets you study or observe an operation or phenomenon via simulation without actually doing that operation. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality technologies are also used to build software that supports simulations. MATLAB is the best example of this type of software.

Business Application Software

Business application software fulfills specific business functions and operations. Some applications are expected to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of operations, boost productivity, and increase the profitability of a business. These application software that is commonly used by businesses are:

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

CRM application software administers an organization’s interactions with customers by backing all the necessary data/ information. Also, this software helps provide a seamless customer experience. It derives valuable insights by collecting, analyzing, and strategizing customer data across different touchpoints, salesforce, Zoho CRM, and Netsuite are a few examples of CRM applications.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

This application focuses on handling all the core operations and other business processes in an organization. It helps in automating and simplifying business operations such as accounting, procurement, risk management, compliance, etc. Odoo, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics are examples of this application software.

Project Management

The software function is a multifunctional tool that assists in project planning, resource allocation, and scheduling. It serves as a platform to facilitate communication and collaboration among project stakeholders. Additionally, it allows users to manage costs and budgets, documentation, and generate reports. Some common examples of such applications are Trello, Zoho Projects, Basecamps, etc.

Business Process Management Software

This application software is an automation tool that helps in optimizing business processes. However, It gives an overview of the business operations and helps with crucial errors, inefficiencies, and miscommunications. Zoho Creator, and Nintex, are a few examples of business process management software.

Database

This is also known as DBMS (Database Management System), used to create and manage databases. This software helps to organize an agency’s important data in a database by storing, modifying, and searching for information. Some common examples of databases are MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, etc.

Resource Management

Resource Management Application Software helps allocate and assign people to projects based on their requirements. It also ensures the smooth management of different projects. Well-known resource management applications are Mavenlink. Monday.com, Forecast, etc.

Productivity Software

This software helps companies to boost their overall productivity. It helps users complete their tasks more efficiently and in a better way. These programs offer users a smart and quick way to track time, document creation, or collaboration. All the types of application software such as database management, project management, content management, etc., are called productivity software. Word processing, spreadsheets, and PowerPoint are some examples.

Time Management

This also helps your workforce stay productive by giving all the necessary assistance to manage their time effectively. It allows the team to stay more organized, and keep track of their time spent on projects. Asana, ClickTime, and DeskTime are some examples of this application.

Educational Software

The software that meets all the educational requirements is known as educational software. It facilitates simple teaching and learning of new concepts and content. Plus, educational software promotes personalized and collaborative interactions for students and tutors alike. It involves features such as content creation, sharing lesson details, managing classrooms, and many more. TalentLMS, Skill Lake, and Google Classroom are a few examples of this software.

Custom Development Application Software

A custom software development application built for some specific agencies or users as per their business requirements. Custom software development in the web and mobile apps industry has taken center stage – mainly for its flexibility and productivity.

It can perform your desired functionality and be designed and developed based on user or organizational needs. While pre-built apps are suitable for limited functionality. Well, these software can be classified based on their shareability and availability. Some of them are:

Freeware

As its name suggests, it is available free of cost. Users can easily download freeware software from the internet and use it without any charge. However, this software cannot be edited or personalized to one’s needs. Adobe PDF, and Google Chrome, are good examples of freeware applications.

Shareware

This software is also provided to users for free on a trial basis, typically with a limited-time offer. After the trial period, users must pay if they wish to continue using the software. Some examples of shareware include SnapTouch, Adobe Acrobat, and WinZip.

Open Source

Open source software is now available for free on the internet along with the source code. Also, It enables users to modify the software, remove errors, and add features as per their needs. This comes in free or paid versions, Moodle and Apache Web Server are some examples of this application software.

Closed Source

The majority of the application software we use falls into this category. Developers typically charge for these and hold intellectual property rights or patents over the source code. They usually come with restrictions on use such as Adobe Flash Player, WinRAR, and macOS are a few examples of this type of software.

Conclusion

Application software plays a vital role in our daily lives and business operations. From general programs like word processors and web browsers to specialized business tools and custom-built solutions, there’s a wide range of options to choose from. When selecting application software, it’s important to consider factors like performance, user experience, security, and scalability. By choosing the right software for your needs, you can improve productivity, streamline tasks, and achieve better results in both personal and professional settings.

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Top 12 Most Useful Container Tools Besides Docker for 2024

Docker is the most popular tool for developers to work with containers. It makes it easy to create, run, and share containers that package software into isolated environments with their own file system. In this blog, we’ll explore 12 alternatives to Docker that give you more choices for building and deploying containers – including some of the best docker containers tools and docker desktop alternatives.

Should You Use Docker In 2024?

In 2024, you have options besides Docker for working with containers. Using an alternative tool can help address Docker’s limitations, better suit specific situations, and ensure consistency in how you manage containers across different environments.

For example, you might want to avoid running the Docker service on your systems or prefer to use the same container technology in development and production. Some of these docker alternatives are full-fledged Docker competitors that can replace it entirely.

Can You Use Containers Without Docker?

Docker popularized containers, and for many, it’s synonymous with the term “container.” But nowadays, Docker is just one tool in the container space.

The Open Container Initiative (OCI) has standardized container fundamentals. 

OCI-compatible tools—including Docker—follow agreed specifications that define how container images and runtimes should work. This means that Docker-created images can be used with any other OCI system and vice versa.

Hence, you no longer need Docker to work with containers. If you choose an alternative platform, you’re still able to use existing container content, including images from popular registries like Docker Hub. We’ll note which tools are OCI-compatible in the list of Docker alternatives below.

Other Container Tools Besides Docker – Including Docker Desktop Alternatives

Ready to explore your choices for working with containers? Here are 12 tools you can use, though there are many more options out there. We’ve picked tools that can be used for various common needs and have different capabilities.

  1. Podman

Podman is an open-source tool for working with containers and images. It follows the OCI standards and can be used as one of the docker alternatives instead of Docker. It works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Unlike Docker, Podman doesn’t use a background process running on your systems. This can make it faster and more secure.

Podman’s commands are similar to Docker’s – you just replace ‘docker’ with ‘podman’ like ‘podman ps’ and ‘podman run’ instead of ‘docker ps’ and ‘docker run’. Podman also has a graphical desktop app called Podman Desktop, which is an open-source Docker desktop alternative. It makes managing your containers easier without having to learn complex commands.

  1. containerd and nerdctl

containerd is a container runtime that follows the OCI standards. It is maintained by the CNCF (Cloud Native Computing Foundation). Docker actually uses containerd as its default runtime, along with other technologies like Kubernetes. If you don’t want to use Docker, you can install containerd by itself as the runtime. The Nerdctl command-line tool can then be used to interact with containerd so you can build and run containers.

Nerdctl is designed to work just like Docker’s commands. You can use Docker commands by simply replacing ‘docker’ with ‘nerdctl’ – for example, ‘nerdctl build’ instead of ‘docker build’. Nerdctl also supports Docker Compose commands, making it one of the docker alternatives for Docker Compose workflows.

Setting up containerd and nerdctl is a bit more complicated than just using Docker. However, this approach gives you more control over your container setup: you can easily replace the containerd runtime or nerdctl tool in the future if needed. It also allows you to access new containerd features that haven’t been added to Docker yet.

  1. LXC

Linux Containers (LXC) is a way to create containers at the operating system level, built into Linux. These sit in between full virtual machines and the lightweight application containers provided by tools like Docker that follow the OCI standards.

LXC containers include a full operating system inside the container. Within an LXC container, you can install any software you need. Once created, an LXC container persists on your machine for as long as you need it, similar to a traditional virtual machine. 

In contrast, application containerization tools like Docker focus on running a single process within a short-lived environment. These containers have one task, exist temporarily, and exit once their job is done. This works well for many modern development and cloud deployment tasks but can be limiting for more complex software. 

You might want to use LXC instead of Docker if you need to run multiple applications in your containers, require greater access to the container’s operating system, or prefer to manage containers like virtual machines. LXC doesn’t directly support OCI containers, but it is possible to create an LXC container from an OCI image using a specialized template.  

  1. runc

runc is a lightweight container runtime that follows the OCI standards. It includes a command-line tool for starting new containers on your systems. Its focus is on providing just the basics needed to create containers.

runc is most commonly included as a low-level part of the other container technologies. For example, containerd – a highly-level tool that manages the full lifecycle of containers – uses runc to actually create the container environments, However, you can also use runc directly to start containers via your own scripts and tools. It allows you to build your own custom container setup without having to interact with the low-level Linux features that enable containerization (like cgroups, chroots, and namespaces).

  1. Rancher Desktop

Rancher Desktop is an open-source application for working with containers on your desktop or laptop. It’s designed for developers, similar to Docker desktop, but it’s completely free and open-source.

Rancher Desktop includes a set of tools from across the container ecosystem. This includes the Docker daemon (though you can use containerd directly instead), support for Kubernetes clusters, and command-line tools like nerdctl and kubectl.

As an all-in-one solution, Rancher Desktop is a great choice for managing the full container lifecycle on developer machines. It makes interacting with containers easier through its user interfaces and dashboards. It’s also simple to switch between different Kubernetes versions, which can help you test upgrades before moving to production environments. 

  1. Kubernetes

Kubernetes (often shortened to K8s) is the most popular tool for managing and running containers at scale. It automates deploying, managing, and scaling container workloads across multiple physical machines, including automatic high availability and fault tolerance.

As a tool that follows the OCI standards, Kubernetes can deploy container images built using other tools, such as those created locally with Docker. K8s environments are called clusters – a collection of physical machines (“nodes”) – and are managed using the kubectl command-line tool.

Kubernetes is ideal for running containers in production environments that need strong reliability and scalability. Many teams also use K8s locally during development to ensure consistency between their dev and production environments. You can get managed Kubernetes clusters from major cloud providers or use tools like Minikube, MicroK8s, and K3s to quickly set up your own cluster on your machine.

  1. Red Hat OpenShift

Red Hat OpenShift is a cloud application development and deployment platform. 

Within OpenShift, the Container Platform part is designed for running containerized systems using a managed Kubernetes environment.

OpenShift is a commercial solution that provides Containers-as-a-Service (CaaS). It’s often used by large organizations where many teams deploy various workloads, without needing to understand the low-level details about containers and Kubernetes.

The platform provides a foundational experience for operating containers in production environments. It includes automated features like upgrades and central policy management. This allows you to maintain reliability, security, and governance for your containers with minimal manual effort.

  1. Hyper-V Containers

Windows containers are a technology in Windows Server for packaging and running Windows and Linux containers on Windows systems. You can use Windows containers with Docker and other tools on Windows, but you cannot run a Windows container on a Linux machine. 

You’ll need to use Windows containers when you are containerizing a Windows application. Microsoft provides base images that include Windows, Windows Server, and .Net Core operating systems and APIs for your app to use. 

You can choose to use Hyper-V Containers as an operating mode for Windows containers. This provides stronger isolation by running each container within its own Hyper-V virtual machine. Each Hyper-V VM uses its own copy of the Windows kernel for hardware-level separation. 

Hyper-V containers require a Windows host with Hyper-V enabled. Using Hyper-V isolated containers provides enhanced security and improved performance tuning for your Windows workloads, compared to regular process-isolated containers created by default container tools. For example, you can dedicate memory to your Hyper-V VMs, allowing precise distribution of resources between your host and containers. 

  1. Buildah

Buildah is a tool specifically for building container images that follow the OCI standards. It doesn’t have any features for actually running containers. 

Buildah is a good lightweight option for creating and managing images. It’s easy to use within your own tools because it doesn’t require a background process and has a simple command-line interface. You can also use Buildah to directly work with OCI images, like adding extra content or running additional commands on them. 

You can build images using an existing Dockerfile or by running Buildah commands. Buildah also lets you access the file systems created during the build process on your local machine, so you can easily inspect the contents of the built image. 

  1. OrbStack

OrbStack is an alternative to Docker Desktop, but only for macOS. It’s designed to be faster and more lightweight than Docker’s solution.

OrbStack is a good choice as a Docker alternative for macOS users who work with containers regularly. Because it’s built specifically for macOS, it integrates well with the operating systems and fully supports all container features—including volume mounts, networking, and x86 Rosetta emulation. 

OrbStack also supports Docker Compose and Kubernetes, so it can replicate all Docker Desktop workflows. It has a full command-line interface along with the desktop app, plus features like file sharing and remote SSH development. OrbStack is a commercial proprietary product, but it’s free for personal use.

  1. Virtual Machines

Sometimes, containers may not be the best solution for your needs. Traditional virtual machines, created using tools like KVM, VMware Workstation, or VirtualBox, can be more suitable when you require strong security, isolation at the hardware level, and persistent environments that can be moved between physical hosts without any modification or reconfiguration.

Virtualization also allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single physical host. If you’re using Linux servers but need to deploy an application that only runs on Windows, containerization won’t work since Windows containers cannot run on Linux. In such cases, setting up a virtual machine allows you to continue utilizing your existing hardware.

  1. Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) Services

Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) services like Heroku, AWS Elastic Beanstalk, and Google App Engine offer an alternative for deploying and running containers in the cloud with a hands-off approach. These services can automatically convert your source code into a container, providing a fully managed environment that allows you to focus solely on development.

Using a PaaS service removes the complexity of having to set up and maintain Docker or another container solution before you can deploy your applications. This helps you innovate faster without the overhead of configuring your own infrastructure. It also makes deployments more approachable for engineers of different backgrounds, even those without container expertise.

However, PaaS services can be difficult to customize, and they can create a risk of being locked into a particular vendor’s service. While a PaaS service helps you get started quickly, it may become limiting as your application develops unique operational requirements. It can also lead to differences between how applications are developed locally (possibly still requiring Docker) and how they’re run in production.

Conclusion

The world of containers has many choices and is always growing. Docker is still a popular way to build and run containers, but it’s not the only option, as we saw from the list of docker alternatives.

The solution you pick depends on what you need and which features are most important to you. If you want an open-source replacement for Docker that works the same way, then Podman could be a good choice from the best docker containers tools. But if you’re getting too big for Docker and want an easier way to operate containers in production, then Kubernetes or a cloud platform service will likely give you more flexibility for automating and scaling deployments as docker alternatives.

No matter which container tool you use, some best practices apply. You need to properly set up your container build files (like Dockerfiles) so the builds are fast, reliable, and secure. You also need to scan your live containers for vulnerabilities, access control issues, and other problems. Following these practices lets you use the flexibility of containers while staying protected from threats.