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Computer Basics: What Is An Application?

An application, or "app", is a type of software that allows users to perform specific tasks. Applications for desktop computers are called desktop apps, while those for mobile devices are called mobile apps. There are many different types of desktop apps that fall into categories like word processors, personal finance software, web browsers, games, media players, and gadgets. To work, an app must be installed on the computer by following installation instructions. Each app works with specific file formats that determine what files it can open. Mobile apps also provide many capabilities and are relatively inexpensive, with some costing under $1 while others are free.

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50 views

Computer Basics: What Is An Application?

An application, or "app", is a type of software that allows users to perform specific tasks. Applications for desktop computers are called desktop apps, while those for mobile devices are called mobile apps. There are many different types of desktop apps that fall into categories like word processors, personal finance software, web browsers, games, media players, and gadgets. To work, an app must be installed on the computer by following installation instructions. Each app works with specific file formats that determine what files it can open. Mobile apps also provide many capabilities and are relatively inexpensive, with some costing under $1 while others are free.

Uploaded by

Ser Crz Jy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Computer Basics

Understanding Applications

What is an application?

You may have heard people talking about using an application or an app. But what
exactly does that mean? An app is a type of software that allows you to perform specific
tasks. Applications for desktop or laptop computers are sometimes called desktop
applications, and those for mobile devices are called mobile apps. When you open an
application, it runs inside the operating system until you close it. Most of the time, you
will have more than one application open at the same time, and this is known
as multitasking.

Watch the video to learn about how applications are used.

App is a common term for an application, especially for simple applications that can


be downloaded inexpensively or even for free. Many apps are also available
for mobile devices and even some TVs.

Types of desktop applications


There are countless desktop applications out there, and they fall into many different
categories. Some are more full-featured (like Microsoft Word), while others may only
do one or two things (like gadgets). Below are just a few types of applications you might
use:

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● 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.
● Personal finance: Personal finance software, such as Quicken, allows you to keep
track of your income and expenses and create a budget, among other tasks. Most
personal finance programs can automatically download information from your
bank so you don't have to manually type in all of your transactions.
● Web browsers: A web browser is the tool you use to access the Internet. Most
computers come with a web browser pre-installed, but you can also download a
different one if you prefer. Examples of browsers include Internet
Explorer, Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari.

● Games: There are many different games you can play on your computer. They
range from card games such as Solitaire to action games like Halo 2. Many action
games require a lot of computing power, so they may not work unless you have a
newer computer.
● Media players: If you want to listen to MP3s or watch movies you've
downloaded, you'll need to use a media player. Windows Media Player and
iTunes are popular media players.
● Gadgets: Sometimes called widgets, these are simple applications you can place
on your desktop (or on the Dashboard if you're using a Mac). There are many

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different types of gadgets, and they include calendars, calculators, maps,
and news headlines.

Installing applications
In order to work, an application usually has to be installed on your computer. Typically,
installation is as simple as inserting the installation disc and following the instructions on
the screen. For software downloaded from the Internet, you can usually double-click it
after it is finished downloading and then follow the instructions on the screen. Many
applications include a readme file (for example, readme.txt), which includes installation
instructions and other information.

Use caution when downloading software because it can contain viruses or


other malware. If you have an antivirus program, you should scan the downloaded
software before installing it. For more information, learn about Protecting Your
Computer from Internet Threats in our Internet Safety tutorial.

Files and applications


Each application on your computer has a group of file types—or formats—it is able to
open. You generally won't have to figure out which application will open your files. When
you double-click a file, your computer will automatically use the correct application to
open it, as long as the application is installed on your computer.

If you don't have the correct application installed, you may not be able to open the file.
However, in some cases you can open the file with a web application that runs in your
browser. For example, if you don't have Microsoft Word, you can open Word documents
with Google Docs. To learn more, you can visit our lesson on Understanding the Cloud.

If you're not sure what a file's format is, you can look at the extension at the end of
the file name (such as .docx, .txt, or.jpg). On some computers, the extension may
be hidden, and you may need to look at the icon to determine the file format.

Mobile apps

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Desktop and laptop computers aren't the only devices that can run apps. You can also
download apps for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, which opens up many
new possibilities. Here are a few examples of mobile apps:

● Flipboard: Flipboard allows you to create a personal news feed by choosing topics,
authors, and publications you like. The app will keep track of what you like and
deliver content that interests you. You can even create your own online
magazine for other Flipboard users to read.
● Wolfram|Alpha: Wolfram|Alpha is basically a giant searchable encyclopedia for any
kind of science, language, or math question you might have. You can access
Wolfram|Alpha on the Web or download the app for your mobile device, and the
company makes specific reference apps for different subjects as well. But the basic
Wolfram|Alpha app will give you access to data on the greatest number of subjects
from your tablet or phone.
● TuneIn Radio: TuneIn Radio allows you to stream talk radio, music, and podcasts from
around the world. It can be downloaded on your computer as well as to your phone
or tablet, so you can listen to whatever interests you anywhere you have Internet
access.
Compared with traditional applications, mobile apps are relatively inexpensive. Some of
them cost as little as $0.99 and others are free, although they may require you to
make in-app purchases to access some functions. If your mobile device has an Internet
connection, you can download apps directly onto it. Otherwise, you can sometimes
download them to your computer and then transfer them over.

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