Which of the following is not an example of application software?

Correct option is A

Microsoft Defender is not application software; it is a system utility / security software designed to protect the computer from viruses, malware, and other security threats. Application software is meant for end users to perform specific tasks like document creation, browsing, or database management. In contrast, Microsoft Defender works in the background to maintain system security rather than helping users perform day-to-day application tasks.
Important Key Points:
1. What is Application Software? Software designed to help users perform specific tasks such as writing documents, browsing the internet, or managing data.
2. Nature of Microsoft Defender: It is a security utility that monitors, detects, and removes malware to protect the operating system.
3. Why Defender is not application software? It does not directly help users create content or perform user-oriented tasks; instead, it supports system safety.
4. Role in the System: Works as part of system software, ensuring secure and stable operation of the computer.
5. Examples of Application Software: Word processors, browsers, spreadsheets, database systems, media players, etc.
6. Importance of Differentiation: Understanding this distinction helps in exams and in grasping the software hierarchy.
Knowledge Booster:
· Why option (b) Microsoft Access is application software? It is a database management application used to create and manage databases.
· Why option (c) Microsoft Word is application software? It is a word processing application used for document creation and editing.
· Why option (d) Microsoft Edge is application software? It is a web browser used to access websites and internet-based applications.