Application software:
2010
Application software:
Answer: C. performs a specific task for computer users — Concept — software is classified by whom it serves. Every program belongs to a category defined by the party whose work it does. Software that serves the…
- A.
is used to control the operating system
- B.
includes programs designed to help programmers
- C.
performs a specific task for computer users
- D.
all of the above
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Correct answer: C
Concept — software is classified by whom it serves. Every program belongs to a category defined by the party whose work it does. Software that serves the machine manages hardware and the operating environment. Software that serves the programmer translates, links and diagnoses source code. Software that serves the end user is written to accomplish one specific, visible task for the person using the computer.
Category | Whom it serves | Typical examples |
|---|---|---|
System software | The machine and its resources | Kernel, device drivers, OS utilities |
Development software | The programmer | Compiler, assembler, linker, debugger |
Application software | The end user, one specific task | Word processor, spreadsheet, browser, payroll package |
Applying it to this question. Application software is the third row of that table. It is installed on top of an operating system and is chosen by the user to get one particular job done — writing a letter, preparing accounts, editing an image, browsing the web. So application software performs a specific task for computer users.
Cross-checking the other descriptions.
Being used to control the operating system describes system software: the kernel, the device drivers and the OS utilities supervise the CPU, memory, files and devices. That is machine-facing work, not a job the user asked for.
Including programs designed to help programmers describes development or translator software: compilers, assemblers, interpreters, linkers and debuggers exist to serve the programmer while a program is being built, not the end user afterwards.
Because those two descriptions name two other categories, no single category answers to all three at once, so a combined "all of the above" claim cannot hold.
Result. Application software performs a specific task for computer users.