Which item is an example of application software?

• A. Disk cleanup utility
• B. Operating system
• C. Word processor
• D. Device driver

Answer: (C)

Application software consists of programs designed for end users to perform specific tasks. A word processor fits this category because it provides tools for creating, editing, formatting, and saving text documents—precisely the kind of end-user task software is designed to support. In contrast, a disk cleanup utility is a maintenance tool that helps optimize and repair the system; an operating system coordinates hardware and provides basic services, making it system software; and a device driver enables communication between the OS and hardware, also a type of system software. So the word processor is the clear example of application software.