Software that is designed to perform a specific task for the user, such as word processing or accounting, is called what?

Introduction / Context:
Computer software is broadly divided into system software and application software. System software manages the hardware and provides a platform for running other programs, while application software is created to carry out specific tasks that users want to perform, such as writing documents, creating spreadsheets, or managing accounts. This question asks you to identify the term used for software designed for a specific user purpose.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on software created for specific purposes like word processing or accounting.
• Options include system software, application software, specific software, and None.
• We assume the standard classification used in computer fundamentals.
• Examples of such programs include MS Word, Tally, and web browsers.

Concept / Approach:
Application software is the category of programs that help users perform particular tasks such as text editing, calculations, graphic design, or playing media. Each application has a clear purpose or set of related purposes. System software, on the other hand, includes operating systems, device drivers, and utilities that manage the computer resources and support applications. The phrase specific software is not a standard technical term. Therefore, the correct term for software designed for a particular purpose is application software.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the definition of application software. Application software consists of programs that perform specific user oriented tasks, such as word processing or accounting. Step 2: Identify examples. MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Tally, and web browsers like Chrome are all application software. Step 3: Recall the definition of system software. System software includes operating systems (like Windows or Linux) and other low level programs that manage hardware and system resources. Step 4: Compare the options. Application software best matches the description of software designed for a specific purpose. Step 5: Recognise that specific software is not an established category and None of the above is unnecessary.

Verification / Alternative check:
Computer fundamentals books clearly separate software into system software and application software. They define application software as programs written to meet particular needs of users, including custom applications developed for organisations. System software is described as providing the environment in which applications run. Training materials list examples: operating systems and device drivers under system software, and packages like MS Office under application software. The term specific software is not used as a formal category in these sources, which confirms that application software is the correct term for programs serving specific user purposes.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A (System software): System software is designed to manage computer hardware and provide a platform, not to carry out specific user tasks like document editing. Option C (Specific software): This is a descriptive phrase but not a recognised technical term for a software category. Option D (None of the above): Incorrect because application software precisely matches the description given in the question.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse application software with system software because both are needed for a computer to be useful. Others see the phrase specific purpose and are tempted by the option specific software, forgetting that exams usually use formal category names. To avoid mistakes, remember that application software is what you interact with to complete tasks, while system software runs in the background to make the hardware and applications work together smoothly.

Final Answer:
Software designed to perform a specific task for the user is called Application software.