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Research draft

application software

vr.tr.application-software · PHY.OBJ

Let an agent handle application software by function, platform, licence, security, privacy, accessibility and support.

Thing Registry Physical world and living systems

Research draft, second pass

A second pass drafted this model: the structure a model of this thing needs, and what is known about it in the world. The line under this one says how the second half was obtained - researched against sources, or recalled without web access, in which case nothing here was read anywhere and every claim is a lead to verify. Unreviewed either way.

written by Claude from model knowledge without web access - no source was read, every claim is a lead to verify

Researched by: Claude

Purpose and description

Let an agent handle application software by function, platform, licence, security, privacy, accessibility and support.

Software designed to help users perform specific tasks, such as word processing, communication, media editing, accessibility, navigation or business functions, running on desktop, mobile, web or other platforms, as distinct from system software.

What it is for: Doing tasks with computers and devices.

It can be find an application for a task; check licence, privacy and security information; check accessibility support such as screen readers; troubleshoot and update applications.

Distinguishing features

Serves end-user tasks

Runs on a platform

Distributed under a licence

Needs updates

What it looks like

Programs with interfaces on screens, installed from app stores or the web.

How it is recognised

Icons, windows and app store listings

Version numbers and licences

Operating systems and drivers are system software

Related models

is a kind of - category

software

runs on - platform

operating system

is distributed under - terms

software licence

is contrasted with - related class

system software

In practice

Families and kinds

productivity software

communication apps

media and creative software

assistive technology such as screen readers

business and enterprise applications

Standards and regulation

EU Cyber Resilience Act

Accessibility requirements such as EN 301 549

GDPR for personal data

Failure modes and hazards

Malware disguised as apps

Unpatched vulnerabilities

Excessive data collection

Also called

data platformsoftware synthesizerMIDI editorscreen readernews aggregatorThe Eldr Group, LLCAlexa skillAkshara Bhandaradeep learning software applicationcommunication softwareportable applicationintegrated library systemanti-plagiarism softwareeducational software suiteBitTorrent clientgeographic information systempotentially unwanted programLibreOfficeNewAgeABRAkiller applicationX11 applicationpixel-art editorJupyter kernelsoftware widgeteducational softwaremetadata applicationmail notification programmetronome applicationsimulation softwareA-AUTOcalorie tracking applicationESupportdesktop applicationdiagnostic softwaretool for thoughtelectronic recordkeeping systemrecords management applicationdocument retrieval systemexperiential system

+248

Where this came from

wikidata · CC0 1.0

Source repository Registry entry point

Drafted structure

Bundle to layer to finding to question, as the second pass will find it: 4 bundles · 8 layers · 8 findings · 16 questions.

Choose Finding apps.

Needs drive choice.

Task

Function.

Task

Function.

  1. Which application fits this task and platform? action
  2. Is an open source option available? provenance

Licence

Terms.

Licence

Licence.

  1. Under what licence and price is it offered? provenance
  2. Is a subscription required? provenance
Security Safety.

Apps can carry risk.

Source

Official sources.

Source

Download source.

  1. Is the app downloaded from the official developer or store? boundary
  2. Is it signed and up to date? boundary

Vulnerabilities

Updates.

Vulnerabilities

Vulnerabilities.

  1. Are there known security advisories for this version? provenance
  2. How is it updated? action
Privacy Data.

Data practices matter.

Data

Collection.

Data

Data collection.

  1. What personal data does the app collect, according to its privacy policy? provenance
  2. Which permissions does it request? provenance

Accessibility

Inclusive use.

Accessibility

Accessibility.

  1. Does the app support screen readers, captions and keyboard use? provenance
  2. Is there an accessibility statement? provenance
Support Help.

Users need help.

Troubleshoot

Problems.

Troubleshoot

Troubleshooting.

  1. What steps fix this common problem, according to official documentation? provenance
  2. Where can support be contacted? provenance

Lifecycle

End of support.

Lifecycle

Lifecycle.

  1. When does support end for this version? provenance
  2. How can data be exported? action

What the second pass must settle

  • Should each application be a separate entry?
  • How should versions be tracked?
  • How should licences be linked?
Draft as JSON