A Network Computer usually has no applications installed locally, other than a basic operating system. This means that programs such as Word-processors, spreadsheets, databases, and design packages would be run directly from the Internet.

In order for the user to have access to these applications, they (or their company) must buy or hire a license to use them. One way this might happen is for commonly used programs to be licensed as part of a standard package, whereas more specialized applications will be licensed separately.

The applications provided for NCs must be cross-platform. In other words, the same program would work on any Network computer that had an appropriate Internet-based Operating System.