Advantage of Apps

AsheGuy wrote:
"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.

This is a great description and I’ll add that the App can be more fully featured and may be easier to use since the user interface is completely decided by the app developer. I’ve also seen apps that were terribly done or had less features than their website counterparts.

Apps... a short way pf saying "application Program"

you could say that a 'game' is an 'App' and be correct

Apps are written to do a specific set of instructions

like find gas stations
or access specific internet address and info (like the app for your bank or CC company)

an 'eReader' is an app to read digital publications
Kindle reader is an app to download. search, find digital books on Amazon

hoopla to download digital books from your library

Ok you use computers right. THey Run PROGRAMS right. Another name for a Program is "Application" and App" is short for Appetizer..er, Applications (Well depends on where you are sitting I guess).

Apps (for your phone or tablet) are simply programs, that's all. THey work JUST like programs on your computer. THey interact with the computers sensors (The phone or tablet is a computer by the way) to tell you where you are, how fast you are going, store or process data. and a host of other things.. They also install malware and steal your banking information if they are MALWARE so beware, same adatanges and same danders as any computer program.

"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.

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

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.

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.

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.