Which type of software is designed for individual tasks such as word processing?

Application software is specifically designed to help users perform specific tasks or applications, such as word processing, spreadsheet calculations, or database management. This type of software facilitates user-defined activities and includes programs like Microsoft Word, Excel, and various other productivity tools.

The key characteristic of application software is its focus on accomplishing direct user tasks rather than managing system resources or providing fundamental platform functions. It serves as a bridge between the user and the computer's hardware, utilizing the underlying system software to execute task-specific functionalities.

In contrast, system software, like operating systems, manages hardware components and provides a platform for application software to run. Utility software typically provides maintenance tasks for the system, such as antivirus tools or disk management applications, and is not focused on direct user tasks. Programming software, on the other hand, provides tools for developers to write and test code, but it does not cater to end-users performing specific tasks like word processing.