What is an app?

The word "app", which is an abbreviation for "application", is a program or piece of software that can run on your PC, laptop, tablet, phone, or any other electronic device, and may or may not need a connection to the internet. The word “app” is typically used to describe anything that isn't a full-fledged software program. (From lifewire.com)

Here is a video from GCFLearnFree:

Computer Basics: Understanding Applications

Types of Apps

There are 3 main types of apps - desktop apps, mobile apps and web apps.

1. Desktop apps are usually much "fuller" and are comprised of all the features of a program, built to be used with a mouse and keyboard along with a much larger display. They are computer programs that runs locally on a computer device, such as desktop or laptop computer
2. Web apps might be full of features too, but they need an internet connection and web browser program, so are usually more lightweight.
3. The Mobile equivalent is a simpler and easier-to-use version intended to be accessed with a finger or stylus on a small screen.

Some examples of types of app:

• Microsoft Word

  • for desktop computers in its most advanced form (known more as a program)
  • available via the web - https://office.live.com/start/Word.aspx#
  • and as a mobile app in an even more simple form.

• Adobe Photoshop image editor - a full software program that runs on your computer. Adobe Photoshop Sketch - a mobile app that lets you draw and paint from a portable device. It's more of a condensed version of the desktop application. Adobe Photoshop Express Editor - the web app.

• Gmail - is both a web app (through the official Gmail.com website) and a mobile app, but there isn't a desktop program to access your mail.

Desktop applications:

Some are more full-featured apps (like Microsoft Word), while others may only do one or two things (like a clock or calendar app). Below are just a few types of applications you might use.

• Word processors: A word processor allows you to write a letter, design a flyer, and create many other types of documents. The most well-known word processor is Microsoft Word.
• Web browsers: Most computers come with a web browser pre-installed, but you can download a different one if you prefer, e.g. Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer and Edge.
• Media players: If you want to listen to MP3s or watch movies you've downloaded, you'll need to use a media player, e.g. Windows Media Player, iTunes.
• Games: There are many types of games you can play on your computer. They range from card games like Solitaire to action games like Halo.

Mobile apps:

There are thousands of apps that can be downloaded to mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, available for Android and iOS devices: