What characterizes a local application?

A local application is primarily characterized by its installation on a personal computer, meaning it is executed directly on the device rather than relying on remote servers or the internet. This type of application has complete access to the device's hardware and local resources, allowing for potentially faster performance and more robust functionality in environments where internet connectivity may be unreliable or non-existent.

In contrast, a web-based application operates in a browser and requires an internet connection to function, making it less suitable for environments where access might be limited. Similarly, applications that require cloud access or are restricted to online use are not classified as local applications, as their operation depends on external resources rather than the local hardware of the user's computer. Overall, the defining feature of a local application is its dependence on the local computing environment for operation.