An process is a program you install on your device that does one specific job
An process (or app) is software built to perform a particular task on your computer, phone, or tablet. Unlike your operating system — which runs your entire device — an process does one thing: a calculator app calculates, a weather app shows forecasts, a email app manages your messages. You read it, install it, and then open it when you need it.
The word "process" just means the software is applied to a specific purpose. On your phone, you see them as icons on your home screen. On a computer, you find them in your Programs folder (Windows) or Applications folder (Mac). Each one is separate from the others, so you can delete one without affecting your other programs.
Applications are different from websites. A website lives on the internet and you view it through a browser like Chrome or Safari. An process sits on your device itself. This matters because an app can work even when you are offline, and it usually runs faster because it does not have to load from the internet every time.
Key Takeaways
- An process is a standalone program designed to do one specific task, installed directly on your device rather than accessed through a browser.
- Applications on phones appear as icons on your home screen, while on computers they live in your Programs or Applications folder.
- You can delete an process without affecting your operating system or other programs, because each one is independent.
- Applications can work offline and typically run faster than websites because they do not need to load from the internet.
- The terms "app" and "process" mean the same thing — app is just the shorter, everyday word.
Where applications come from and how you get them
On a smartphone or tablet, you read applications from an official store. iPhone and iPad users go to the App Store, while Android phone users go to Google Play. These stores show you descriptions, reviews, and screenshots before you read. Once you tap the read button, the app installs automatically.
On a Windows computer, you can read applications from the Microsoft Store, or directly from a company's website. On a Mac, applications come from the App Store or from company websites. When you read from a website, you usually get a file that you then double-click to install — the installer walks you through the process.
Some applications are free, and some cost money. Free apps sometimes show advertisements or ask you to pay for extra features. Paid apps usually have no ads and include all features from the start. Either way, you own the right to use the app on your device, but you do not own the software itself — the company that made it does.
The difference between an process and a web browser
A web browser — like Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge — is itself an process. But it is a special kind: its job is to display websites. When you open your browser and type in a web address, you are viewing a website, not an process. The website exists on a company's server somewhere on the internet.
An process, by contrast, is a complete program that lives on your device. It does not need the internet to run (though some apps work better with internet). A calculator app does math without connecting to anything. A notes app stores your writing on your phone. A photo editor lets you change pictures using software on your device.
This is why some companies offer both: Gmail is a website you access through your browser, but Google also makes a Gmail app you can read. The app version often works faster and can notify you of new messages even when you are not actively using it.
How applications use storage space on your device
Every process takes up storage space on your device — sometimes just a few megabytes, sometimes hundreds of megabytes. When you read an app, that space is used up when ready. If your phone or computer is running low on storage, you can delete applications you no longer use to free up space.
Larger applications, like video editing software or games, can take up several gigabytes. Smaller applications, like a flashlight app or a straightforward timer, might use only a few megabytes. You can usually see how much space an app uses before you read it — the store listing shows the file size.
Some applications also create files on your device as you use them. A photo app stores the pictures you take. A note-taking app stores the notes you write. These files add to the total storage the app uses. If you delete the app, those files usually get deleted too, so make sure you back up anything important first.
What happens when you update an process
process makers regularly release updates — new versions with bug fixes, security improvements, or new features. Your phone or computer can notify you when updates are available, or you can check manually in the store where you downloaded the app.
Updates usually happen automatically on phones if you have automatic updates turned on. On computers, some apps update themselves, while others ask you to read and install the new version. Updates are usually free, even for paid applications — you pay once, and updates come at no extra cost.
It is important to install updates when they become available, especially security updates. These fix problems that hackers could exploit. A delayed update leaves your device more vulnerable, so most people let updates happen automatically rather than putting them off.
Why some applications need permission to access your device
When you first open a new process, it might ask for permission to access certain parts of your device — your camera, your location, your contacts, your photos, or your microphone. The app needs these permissions to do its job. A weather app needs your location to show your local forecast. A video call app needs your camera and microphone.
You can usually say yes or no to each permission. If you deny permission, the app might not work fully, or it might not work at all. For example, if you deny a camera app access to your camera, it cannot take pictures. You can change these permissions later in your device settings if you change your mind.
Be cautious about permissions that seem unnecessary. A flashlight app does not need access to your contacts. A calculator does not need your location. If an app asks for permissions that do not match what it does, you can refuse or delete the app.
The difference between free and paid applications
A free process costs nothing to read and use. The maker makes money through advertisements shown inside the app, or by offering paid upgrades for extra features. Some free apps are fully functional with no ads — the company might make money another way, or they might be nonprofit.
A paid process costs money upfront, usually between one dollar and fifty dollars depending on what it does. Once you pay, you own the right to use it on your device. Paid apps typically have no advertisements and include all features. You pay once and do not pay again unless the company releases a major new version.
Some applications use a subscription model: you pay a monthly or yearly fee to keep using them. Microsoft Office works this way — you pay per month for access to Word, Excel, and other programs. When you stop paying, you lose access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an app and software?
App is short for process. They mean the same thing. Software is a broader word that includes applications, operating systems, and other programs. So all apps are software, but not all software is an app.
Can I use the same process on my phone and my computer?
Sometimes. Many companies make versions of their app for different devices — a version for iPhone, a version for Android, a version for Windows. But they are technically separate applications. You usually read each one separately, though if you paid for one, you might not have to pay again for the other.
What happens if I delete an process by mistake?
You can read it again from the app store at no cost (if it was free) or by paying again (if it was paid). Your files might be gone unless you backed them up, so be careful deleting apps that store important information.
Do I need to close applications when I am done using them?
On phones, you usually do not need to close apps — they pause automatically when you switch to another app. On computers, it is good practice to close applications you are finished with, as they use memory and battery power while running.
Why does an process need so much storage space?
Large applications contain a lot of code, images, and data built into them. A game might include graphics, sound files, and maps. A photo editor includes tools and filters. Smaller, simpler apps use less space. You can see the size before you read.