What is application software ? What are the three categories of application software ?

An Application Software is the set of programs necessary to carry out operations for a specified application. These are the programs written by programmers to enable computer to perform a specific task such as processing words, inventory control, handling calculations and figures etc. For example, Microsoft Word 2013.

The three categories of application software are as follows:

1. Packages — For example, word processing software, spreadsheets, etc.
2. Utilities — For example, text editor, backup utility etc.
3. Customised software — inventory management system, payroll system etc.