If you lot have a new telephone, tablet or computer, you lot’re probably looking to download some new apps to make the most of your new applied science. Short for “awarding,” apps let you do everything from listening to music to syncing your telephone to your car to playing games.
With so many apps to choose from, even so, information technology can be a bit daunting if you don’t know how to download them. Fortunately, downloading apps can be quick, simple and like shooting fish in a barrel regardless of the kind of technology you’re using. Read on to acquire about how and where to download apps.
How Downloading Apps Works
When you download a file on the net, whether from a store or elsewhere, a file hosted on an online server is copied onto your computer. If you’ve always been online, either on a telephone or computer, you lot’ve likely already downloaded files on many occasions. Apps are no dissimilar — they’re only specific kinds of files you download from the net.
Apps are typically set as executable (.exe) files, although apps meant for Apple tree devices often come up as either APP (.app) or DMG (.dmg) files. Sometimes (particularly when it’s meant for computers), an app is compressed into a ZIP file (.zilch or .zipx) to save space. To exercise this, you may need some other program, such every bit WinZip or vii-Zip, to open it, although you may besides be able to open up it past left- or right-clicking if your device came with the ability to open ZIP files.
In many cases, however, downloading an app is as simple as clicking a button on an app’s page. As long every bit there’due south enough space left on your device, the app volition likely exist gear up for use one time it’due south done downloading.
Android is an operating organisation used for phones, tablets and more than. Odds are that if your phone isn’t an iPhone, it’south probably an Android device — brands include Samsung, Huawei, LG, Motorola, ZTE and many more. To download apps for an Android device, you tin can either visit the Android website or use the Google Play app. (Information technology’s often pre-installed on phones and tablets, then y'all may already take it.) Be enlightened that y'all’ll probable be prompted to sign in with your Google account or create one if you haven’t already.
Open up the Google Play shop on your device then search for the specific proper name of the app or whatever broader category that might interest you. Click on the app result to learn more about it. If the app is free, it should brainstorm to download; if not, yous’ll be prompted to pay for it. Either way, once the file is downloaded, you’re good to go.
Downloading Windows Apps
Microsoft hosts apps on its website, which you lot can access via any device with a web browser. Yous can utilize the site to download apps for tablets, computers, phones, Xbox consoles, virtual reality sets and more, so information technology’s important to check the arrangement requirements on each app’south page to ensure that the app is compatible with your device.
Select whichever complimentary or paid app you’re interested in to come across a brief clarification of the app. If you choose a paid app, y'all’ll be prompted to enter your credit card data or a gift card to consummate your order.
Using the Apple tree App Shop
The Apple App Store hosts apps designed for iPhones, iPads and other Apple devices. As with Google Play, information technology’s often pre-installed on phones. Like other app stores, it lets you filter apps by category, including featured apps, newest apps, popular apps, themed categories and more. Cull the app you lot want and follow the onscreen directions to download it to your device. You’ll need to log in or create an account complete the purchase.
