Please help me understand apps. I’ve tried to look info up online but am not finding an explanation that helps me.I mainly use my iPad mini which requires Wi-Fi. I just signedup for Hoopla thru my local library and it showed a that there is also an app for Hoopla. What, if any, is the advantage of installling the app? I’ve had the same scenario with other apps. I have some apps installed but I just truly don’t understand the advantages of them. TIA!

Apps are shortcuts to applications. They are a convenient way to access what you want. They can reside in your desktop for quick access. Things like this forum do not have an app, but you can make them quick access via widgets.

I don't put any apps on my phone that don't do useful work for me. One of my apps is an e-book reader for instance, that lets me carry around and read any of several hundred books, while another uses the camera to help me sight in the Dish network satellites for setting up our portable dish. Weather forecasts, gas prices, memo calendar, notes, email client, RV park locator, restaurant locator, compass, GPS, and a conversion calculator are among the ones that get used the most frequently.

The app (application) Hoopla, when installed on your iPad mini and in conjunction with the Wi-Fi on your iPad mini, allows you to borrow free digital video, music, and audiobooks with your library card.

However, always read the permissions and privacy statement. In general I find that using an app instead if the web page causes one to sign away huge amounts of privacy. Bank of America for example collects all manner of information when you use the app, such as access to phone logs and contact lists, that they have no reason to need but like to process for marketing purposes. Dave

"Apps" (short for applications) is the equivalent of "programs", the original term used to describe a set of instructions (code) that runs on a computer to perform a specific task.Originally, the only way on a computer to run a program (or application) was to install that program on your computer. Later, the Internet came along and you could perform tasks via an Internet based application on a server somewhere and it is accessed through a web browser.When smartphones and tablets came along, this was the environment that existed. These devices are simply computers like those that took up a large room but in a very more compact form.As to the OP's question, installing an app on a smart phone or tablet means you are downloading and installing the code for that task on your device rather than perform that task using an application/program on a remote server somewhere via a web browser. This allows that application to be tailored to the functions available on your device rather than operate within the constraints of a web browser application that must operate on all the platforms that a web browser can run on. In many ways that is a plus but in the case of privacy and security it can be a minus because the app can access functions of the device not available to a web browser although this distinction is somewhat muddied in the case of cloud computing.

Advantage of Apps | Good Sam Community

ReadyToGo
Explorer
Jun 06, 2018
One of the major dissadvage of Apps is how large they are. A lot of Apps are 50 to 100 mbytes in size. This becomes important when updating. You need a large data plan or pick and choose which updates you will install until you get to Starbucks etc. I don't have a lot of Apps but one day there were ten updates and well over 500 Mbytes of downloads.
I only have one or two programs on my PC that are over 50 mbytes.
Just looked at the updates for today, counted over 750 mbytes, that is 3/4 of a gigabyte. Good thing I am on WiFi.
AsheGuy
Explorer
Jun 03, 2018
sue.t wrote:
Read the fine print/conditions related to any app that you are interested in. By downloading and agreeing to use an app you sometimes are agreeing to conditions that can impact your privacy/security. Some have the right to activate your system so they can record your conversations, access your camera and take video, access your contact lists and other info, track your location and more. Here's a link to a report prepared by CBC that explains it well: Why privacy can be a problem with apps
Love your website, especially the 1956 Guide to the Alaska Highway. Having made two trips in our RV from NC to Alaska your photos bring back many memories. I can't quite imagine your RV winter trips though.
2oldman
Explorer II
Jun 03, 2018
wa8yxm wrote:
WHy would anyone want to pay for the WORLD's WORST Coffee????????
Because they like it??? Starbucks has stores all over the world and is doing quite well, despite your objections. But your outrage is duly noted.

You're the same guy who complained about the McDonald's app. Is modern life getting too stressful?
sue_t
Explorer
Jun 03, 2018
Read the fine print/conditions related to any app that you are interested in. By downloading and agreeing to use an app you sometimes are agreeing to conditions that can impact your privacy/security. Some have the right to activate your system so they can record your conversations, access your camera and take video, access your contact lists and other info, track your location and more. Here's a link to a report prepared by CBC that explains it well: Why privacy can be a problem with apps
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Jun 03, 2018
I don't really want to hijack the thread, but Starbucks coffee is excellent, unless you like your coffee like tea so you can see the bottom of the cup. :) That being said, I very rarely buy Starbucks, it's too expensive for coffee.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Jun 03, 2018
2oldman wrote:
It's a lot easier to order and pay in Starbucks using the app than my full-sized computer.

WHy would anyone want to pay for the WORLD's WORST Coffee????????
bighatnohorse
Explorer II
Jun 03, 2018
Mountain Mama wrote:

I mainly use my iPad mini which requires Wi-Fi. I just signedup for Hoopla thru my local library and it showed a that there is also an app for Hoopla. What, if any, is the advantage of installling the app? . . .

TIA!

With the app installed on your iPad mini, you should be able do everything that your computer does. Download books and read them on your iPad mini. Browse the library, return or reserve materials, etc.

Some apps, such as one by Alaska Airlines, lets you check flight status, do check in with your phone, etc. BUT - always check out the app before AND during installation.
Example: Alaska Airlines asked permission to upgrade their app and when I went to do so I noticed that the app now wanted a lot of new permissions such as access to my photos and phone contact list. They don't need that. And so I denied the app permission.
AsheGuy
Explorer
Jun 02, 2018
Fizz wrote:
What you’re doing now is accessing certain resources (library) by using an internet browser.
Some web sites offer apps that are custom made too display and access that same information. It often giver a clearer uncluttered look to the page, no distacting web ads.
Some are good others offer little, it’s your choice.

???
Fizz
Explorer
Jun 02, 2018
What you’re doing now is accessing certain resources (library) by using an internet browser.
Some web sites offer apps that are custom made too display and access that same information. It often giver a clearer uncluttered look to the page, no distacting web ads.
Some are good others offer little, it’s your choice.
2oldman
Explorer II
Jun 02, 2018
It's a lot easier to order and pay in Starbucks using the app than my full-sized computer.

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