What are programs that allow you to complete tasks like Instagram and Snapchat?

• A. System software
• B. Application software
• C. Firmware
• D. Middleware

Answer: (B)

This question tests understanding of application software—the programs people use to perform specific tasks on a device. Instagram and Snapchat are end-user applications designed for social media tasks, photo/video sharing, messaging, and other activities. They run on top of the operating system and rely on its services to function, which is exactly what application software does: provide targeted functionality for users.

System software, by contrast, includes the operating system itself and utilities that manage hardware and resources. Firmware is the embedded software inside hardware components, not typical user-installed apps. Middleware is software that helps different programs communicate or work together, not the end-user programs like these apps.