The 5 Most Popular Types of Computer Software

The other day, I was using some keyword research tools* to find out what software-related topics people are researching through Google, Yahoo, MSN and the other search engines.
I conduct this research often as a matter of course, because I publish a software review website and I like to know the major types of software people are interested in. But then I thought it would make for an interesting article as well, because readers can learn about the hottest trends and most popular types of computer software products.
So I've listed below five of the most popular types of software programs, as evidenced by how often they are searched for online. Under each listing, you will also find a description of what that particular item can do for you, how it works, etc.

The Major Types of Software

So without further ado, here is what I came up with based on my research into Internet search patterns:
#1 - Antivirus Tools
I've always had a "conspiracy theory" that the makers of these antivirus products are in cahoots with the creators of computer viruses — if they aren't one and the same. After all, nothing sells this type of computer software better than the constant presence of the dreaded virus. At any rate, it is the most popular type of product based on the number of Internet searches for the software.
Most computer users are very familiar with these programs, as they come preinstalled on most systems (PCs anyway, not so much on the Mac).
Learn more about antivirus software products.
#2 - Tax Software
There's a very good chance that the popularity of this search phrase has to do with the time of year, as I'm writing this article in March ... tax season! So if I revised this list later in the year, this one might not have made the top five. At any rate, it makes the cut today.
These programs are incredibly helpful for anyone preparing their own tax returns. Popular tax software programs include TaxAct, TurboTax and TaxCut (by H&R Block).
Though they offer different features, all of these programs perform the same basic function. They help you track your financial activity throughout the year and prepare your tax return when the time comes. Basically, they walk you through the process one screen at a time, and you simply fill in the information requested. The software does the rest.
#3 - Accounting Software
I would venture a guess that this type of computer software is high on the list because of its versatility, and also for terminology reasons. Some people use the phrase "accounting" when they are referring to tax preparation programs. Additionally, there are people searching for more full-featured accounting software tools to manage all aspects of their finances.
There's a third audience for this major type of software as well — the accounting departments of companies. These folks use these tools to manage the revenue and expenses of the company, including payroll information.
So you really have a lot of different folks searching for this type of software, though in reality they are all looking for slightly different programs. At any rate, it is commonly searched online and so it makes my list.
Learn more about accounting programs.
#4 - DVD Burning Tools
As you might have guessed, this type of software allows you to burn (make copies) of DVDs. Of course, this opens up a Pandora's box of legal issues, because you can't just duplicate a movie on DVD without breaking the law. Nor do we condone such things.
Nevertheless, DVD burning programs are a major type of software when ranked by Internet search patterns, so they have a place on this list.
#5 - Video Editing Tools
This type of computer software helps you edit video sequences on a computer. It is becoming increasingly popular with each passing year. To use one of these programs, you would first create the video footage itself. Then you would use this unique and powerful software to edit the footage on any desktop computer that is compatible with the program.
Using this type of software you can import and export video to and from your computer, cut and paste sections of video, and add special video effects and transitions.
Learn more about video editing software programs.
* Sources: KeywordTracker and Keyword Discovery. I cross-referenced the most common software types from both tools.