Which type of application software would best be described as software that operates via the internet without being installed locally?

Web applications are specifically designed to operate over the internet and are accessed through a web browser rather than being installed on local devices. This allows users to interact with the application from any device with internet connectivity without worrying about installation requirements or platform compatibility issues. Web applications are typically built using technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which enables them to function seamlessly across various operating systems and devices.

In contrast, desktop applications are installed locally on a computer and run directly from the operating system, which means they require installation and may not be accessible from devices other than the one on which they are installed. Mobile applications, while designed to run on smartphones or tablets, are also installed locally on those devices, restricting their access to users of specific platforms like iOS or Android. Utility programs serve specific system maintenance tasks and are not categorized as applications that run via the internet, as they are typically installed and run locally to manage or modify system resources.