← Years 5–6 Digital Systems

Application software

A program designed to help a user complete a specific task, such as browsing the web, writing a document or playing a game. It runs on top of the operating system.

Part of: 5-6 Digital Technologies Vic Curric - Digital Systems & Security — Module 16, IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 4.1 Types of Software and Interrupts — Module 4

Understanding Application software in Years 5–6 Digital Systems

What it does: A game is application software because its specific task is to let the user play and be entertained. The operating system sits between the hardware and the apps, so applications rely on it to run. A browser is an app that lets you view websites. The internet is the global network the data travels across. Choose an app that matches the purpose. A word processor is made for writing and formatting documents. A web browser is the app designed for finding and viewing web pages.

Common mistakes: A comma is missing between the string and task. It should be print(app, "is used to", task). Windows is an operating system, not application software. The list should only hold apps such as a browser and a game.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 11–20) and word search (Modules 1–20).

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Each concept is reinforced from every angle — learned, then applied, then tested.

Learning
Duo
Which one is application software?
A word processor used to write a school reportA monitor that displays the screen
Matches
Windows or macOS is an application used to write a report
↓
Windows and macOS are operating systems, not applications. A word processor is the app you would use to write a report.
Applying
Meanings
Term
application software
Meaning
A program designed to help a user complete a specific task, such as browsing the web, writing a document or playing a game. It runs on top of the operating system.
Practice
browser = web pages
Testing
Gaps
kind = " software"
Check Answer
Spots
3needs = "operating system"
4print(app, "is used to" task)

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Quick Questions

1. Which one is application software?
A. A monitor that displays the screen
B. A word processor used to write a school report ✓
A word processor is a program that helps a user complete a specific task: writing documents. A monitor is hardware, not software.
2. What is application software designed to do?
A. Help a user complete a specific task ✓
B. Only control the hardware inside the computer
Application software helps users do tasks such as browsing, writing or playing. Managing hardware is the job of the operating system.
3. Which statement is correct?
A. A web browser is the same thing as the internet
B. A web browser is application software used to view websites ✓
A browser is an app that lets you view websites. The internet is the global network the data travels across.
4. How do apps relate to the operating system?
A. Apps run on top of the operating system ✓
B. Apps run the computer without needing an operating system
The operating system manages the device and provides a platform for apps to run on.
5. A student wants to write and format an essay. Which app is the best choice?
A. A word processor ✓
B. A racing game
Choose an app that matches the purpose. A word processor is made for writing and formatting documents.

Match the Pairs

web browser → Application software used to visit and view websites on the internet
word processor → Application software used to type, edit and format documents such as letters and reports
Application software helps a user complete a specific task, like playing for fun → game app
Application software runs on top of the operating system, which manages the device itself → app -> operating system -> hardware
Windows or macOS is an application used to write a report → Windows and macOS are operating systems, not applications. A word processor is the app you would use to write a report.
Use a game app to research a school project on the internet → A game app is the wrong choice for this purpose. A web browser should be used to research on the internet.

Key Term

application software
A program designed to help a user complete a specific task, such as browsing the web, writing a document or playing a game. It runs on top of the operating system.

Fill in the Blanks

1. kind = "application software"
Hint: Type the word for software that helps a user complete a specific task.
2. task = "browse the web" app = "browser"
Hint: Type the application used to view websites.
3. task = "write a document" app = "word processor"
Hint: Type the second word of the application used for writing documents.
4. runsOn = "operating system"
Hint: Type the first word of the system software that application software runs on top of.
5. purpose = "play" if purpose == "play": app = "game"
Hint: Type the comparison operator that checks whether two values are equal.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A app = "word processor"
B task = "write a document"
C needs = "operating system"
D print(app, "is used to" task)
Line D — A comma is missing between the string and task. It should be print(app, "is used to", task).
Question 2
A apps = ["browser", "Windows"]
B for a in apps:
C print(a, "is an app")
Line A — Windows is an operating system, not application software. The list should only hold apps such as a browser and a game.
Question 3
A os = "Windows"
B app = "Chrome"
C print(os, "runs on", app)
Line C — The order is reversed. Application software runs on top of the operating system, so it should be print(app, "runs on", os).
Question 4
A purpose == "browse the web"
B choice = "browser"
C print("Best app:", choice)
Line A — == compares values, but this line needs to store a value. It should use a single = so that purpose = "browse the web".
Question 5
A def open_app(name):
B print("Opening", nam)
C open_app("browser")
Line B — The variable is misspelt. The parameter is called name, so the line should be print("Opening", name).

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