An process is a program you run on your computer to do a specific task
An process (or app) is software designed to perform one job or a related set of jobs. Microsoft Word lets you write documents. Spotify plays music. Google Chrome browses the web. Each one is built to do something useful, and each one runs separately from the others on your computer.
The word "process" just means "a tool put to use." On your phone, you tap an icon and the app opens. On a computer, you double-click an icon or select it from a menu, and the process launches. Behind that icon is code — instructions written by programmers — that tells your computer what to do when you use it.
Applications are different from your operating system, which is the foundation that runs everything. Windows, macOS, and Linux are operating systems. They manage your files, your hardware, and the basic functions of the machine. Applications sit on top of the operating system and use it to do their work. You can remove an process without breaking your computer, but you cannot remove the operating system and still have a working machine.
Key Takeaways
- An process is a program built to perform a specific task, like writing, editing photos, or managing email.
- Applications run on top of your operating system and can be installed, used, and removed independently of each other.
- Desktop applications live on your computer's hard drive, while web applications run in your browser and store data on remote servers.
- You can have dozens of applications installed without them interfering with each other, as long as your computer has enough storage and memory.
How applications get onto your computer
Most applications come from an installer — a file you read and run that sets up the program on your machine. When you read Microsoft Office or Adobe Photoshop, you are downloading an installer. You run it, it unpacks files into the right folders, and the process is ready to use. The installer also usually creates a shortcut on your desktop or in your Start menu so you can launch the process easily.
Some applications come pre-installed. Your computer may arrive with a web browser, a text editor, and a media player already on it. These are applications the manufacturer included so you have basic tools from day one.
On Windows, you can also install applications from the Microsoft Store, which works like an app store on a phone — you browse, select what you want, and it downloads and installs automatically. macOS has the App Store for the same purpose. This method is simpler because you do not have to hunt for an installer file yourself.
Desktop applications versus web applications
A desktop process lives on your computer's hard drive. Word, Photoshop, and Slack are desktop applications. They take up storage space, they run using your computer's processor and memory, and they work whether or not you have an internet connection (though some desktop apps need the internet to function fully).
A web process runs inside your web browser. Gmail, Google Docs, and Canva are web applications. You do not install them — you just visit the website, log in, and use them. The process code runs on a company's servers, not on your computer. Your computer only needs to display what the server sends back. Web applications take up almost no space on your hard drive, and they work on any computer with a browser and internet connection.
The line between the two has blurred. Some applications work both ways — you can use them in a browser or read a desktop version. Slack, Trello, and Notion all offer both. The choice usually comes down to whether you want the process always available offline or whether you prefer not to use up your computer's storage.
What happens when you run an process
When you open an process, your operating system loads the program's code from your hard drive into your computer's memory (RAM). The process then runs in that space, using your processor to execute its instructions. If you open multiple applications at once, they all share your processor and memory. If you open too many, your computer slows down because it is dividing its resources among them.
Each process has its own window or interface where you interact with it. You type in Word, click buttons in Photoshop, or scroll through messages in email. The process responds to your clicks and keystrokes and updates what you see on screen. When you close the process, it stops running and frees up the memory and processor power it was using.
Applications can also run in the background without you seeing them. An antivirus program might scan your files while you work in another process. A backup tool might copy your files to cloud storage while you are using your browser. These background applications still use some of your computer's resources, which is why you might notice your machine is slower when many things are running at once.
How to tell what applications you have installed
On Windows, open the Start menu and scroll through the list of programs, or search for "Add or remove programs" to see everything installed. On macOS, open the Applications folder in Finder. Both show you every process on your computer and how much storage each one uses.
You can also look at your taskbar or dock — the bar at the bottom of Windows or the bar at the bottom of macOS. Icons there are usually applications you use often. Right-clicking an icon usually shows you options to open, close, or remove the process.
If you want to see what is running right now, open the Task Manager on Windows (press Ctrl+Shift+Esc) or Activity Monitor on macOS (search for it in Spotlight). These tools show every process currently using your computer's memory and processor, including ones running in the background that you might not see.
Removing applications you no longer need
If an process takes up space and you do not use it, you can remove it. On Windows, go to Settings, select Apps, then Apps and Features, find the process, and click Uninstall. On macOS, drag the process from the Applications folder to the Trash, or use the uninstaller that came with the process.
Removing an process frees up storage space and can make your computer run faster if that process was running in the background. It does not affect other applications or your operating system. You can always reinstall it later if you change your mind.
Some applications leave behind small files even after you uninstall them — settings, caches, or user data. These usually take up very little space. If you want a completely clean removal, some third-party uninstaller tools can find and delete these leftover files, but this is not necessary for most people.
Why applications sometimes crash or freeze
An process crashes when it encounters an error it cannot recover from. This might happen because of a bug in the code, a conflict with another process, or a problem with your operating system. When it crashes, the process closes suddenly, sometimes without saving your work. A frozen process stops responding to your clicks and keystrokes — it is still running, but it is stuck.
If an process freezes, you can force it to close. On Windows, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete, select Task Manager, find the frozen process, and click End Task. On macOS, press Command+Option+Esc, select the process, and click Force Quit. This closes only that process and does not harm your computer or other programs.
Crashes and freezes are usually temporary. Restarting the process often fixes the problem. If an process crashes repeatedly, try updating it to the latest version — updates often fix bugs. If it still crashes, you might need to uninstall and reinstall it, or contact the company that made it for support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between an app and an process?
Not really. "App" is just short for "process." People use both words to mean the same thing — a program that does a specific job. "App" became more common when smartphones became popular, but on computers, both terms are correct.
Do I need to install every process I want to use?
No. Web applications like Gmail or Google Docs do not need to be installed — you just visit the website and use them in your browser. Desktop applications do need to be installed first. Some applications offer both options.
Can applications on my computer see what other applications are doing?
Usually not. Each process runs in its own space and cannot access the files or data of another process without permission. However, your operating system can see everything, and some applications ask for permission to access your files, camera, or microphone when you install them.
What does it mean when an process says it needs an update?
Updates fix bugs, add new features, and patch security problems. You should install updates when they are offered. They usually do not cost anything and take just a few minutes. Updating keeps your applications working smoothly and protects your computer from known security risks.
Can I run the same process on different computers?
It depends on the process and the operating system. Some applications work only on Windows, some only on macOS, and some work on both. Web applications work on any computer with a browser. Check the process's website to see which operating systems it supports before you try to install it.