Application software is generally the computer programs which are used for the purpose of performing specific tasks using a computer. This should be contrasted with system software.
A simple analogy would be that operating system software could be likened to the frame, motor, chassis, wheels and other components of an automobile, while application software would represent the steering wheel, seats, dashboard and gauges, and passenger comfort controls such as heat and air conditioning of the car.
Application software may consist of a single program, such as an image viewer; a small collection of programs (often called a software package) that work closely together to accomplish a task, such as a spreadsheet or text processing system; a larger collection (often called a software suite) of related but independent programs and packages that have a common user interface or shared data format, such as Microsoft Office,
which consists of closely integrated word processor, spreadsheet, database management system, etc.; or a software system, such as a database management system, which is a collection of fundamental programs that may provide some service to a variety of other independent applications.
In some types of embedded systems, the application software and the operating system software may be indistinguishable, such as in the case of the software used to control a VCR, DVD player or Microwave oven.
