Which of the following is an example of application software?

• A. Microsoft Excel
• B. Windows OS
• C. BIOS
• D. System Firmware

Answer: (A)

Application software refers to programs designed to perform specific tasks for users, as opposed to system software, which manages the hardware and software resources of a computer. Microsoft Excel is a prime example of application software because it is specifically developed to assist users in creating spreadsheets, performing calculations, and analyzing data.

In contrast, Windows OS is classified as system software, providing the platform for application software to run, while BIOS and system firmware are also types of system software that manage hardware initialization and communication. Therefore, since Microsoft Excel is intended for end-user tasks and is designed to fulfill specific user needs, it is correctly identified as application software.