Are Apps Only For Smartphones?

I am not familiar with all the new technology, especially as it relates to smart phones.  I see offers to download apps on my computer, but have not done so because I think they don’t apply to computers, only smart phones, iPads and such.  Am I right?

app (short for application) could be for a smartphone, tablet or computer. App really just means program. But to work on your computer, an app must be designed for your operating system.

For example, let’s look at the page for WPS Office, a free office suite. You”ll notice that it is available for Android, iOS, Windows & Linux.

If you own an Android tablet or phone, you would choose Android. If you have an iPad or iPhone, you select iOS and for a Windows computer, select the Windows option.

If we look at the page for Instagram, you’ll see that there are options for going to the Apple App Store and for Google Play. That means this program can only be used on Apple Devices or Android phones or tablets and is not available for your PC.

Now, if you are using Windows 8 or 8.1, there’s an entire app store full off applications designed for your computer. Either search for Store in the search charm or tap the icon that looks like a shopping bag.

 

Then you can browse the Windows  for both free and paid applications for your 8 or 8.1 PC.

 

 You won’t find an app that works for your PC in the Google Play Store or the Apple Store. You can find apps in the Windows Store if you have 8 or 8.1. 

If you have a Windows 7 PC, you can still find apps that will work with your system. You just need to check to make sure that particular app is compatible with your operating system.