A software process is a program you run on your device to do a specific job
A software process — or app — is a set of instructions written in code that tells your computer, phone, or tablet to perform a task. When you open Microsoft Word to write a document, use Spotify to play music, or open your banking app to check your balance, you are running a software process. Each one is built to do something particular, and it only works because your device's operating system (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android) translates those instructions into actions your hardware can carry out.
The key difference between an process and other software is focus. An operating system runs your entire device and manages all the hardware. A software process runs on top of that operating system and does one thing or a related set of things. Word processes documents. Photoshop edits images. Chrome browses the web. Each process is a separate program you can install, open, close, and remove without affecting the others.
Key Takeaways
- A software process is a program designed to do a specific task, like writing, editing photos, or managing email.
- Applications run on top of your operating system and depend on it to communicate with your device's hardware.
- You can install multiple applications on one device, and each one works independently of the others.
- Applications come from different sources — app stores, websites, or software companies — and may be free or paid.
- The terms "app," "program," and "software process" mean the same thing in everyday use.
How an process talks to your device
When you click an icon to open an process, you are not directly commanding your hardware. Instead, the process sends a request to your operating system, which then tells your processor, memory, and storage what to do. The operating system acts as a translator between the process and the physical parts of your computer or phone.
This is why an process designed for Windows will not run on a Mac — the code is written to speak to Windows, not macOS. Similarly, an iPhone app will not work on an Android phone because the two operating systems speak different languages. The process depends entirely on its operating system to function. If you uninstall the operating system or it crashes, the applications stop working even though the code itself is still intact.
Where applications come from and how you get them
You can get applications in several ways. On phones and tablets, the easiest route is an app store — Apple's App Store for iPhones and iPads, or Google Play for Android devices. These stores host thousands of applications, and you read them directly to your device with one tap. The store handles installation automatically.
On computers, you can read applications from the software company's website (like downloading Chrome from Google or Zoom from Zoom's website), or you can use a software store built into your operating system. Windows has the Microsoft Store; macOS has the App Store. You can also buy physical copies of software on discs or USB drives, though this is rare now. Once downloaded, you run an installer program that sets up the process on your device and creates a shortcut or icon you can click to open it.
Some applications are free; others cost money upfront. Some are free but show advertisements or offer paid upgrades for extra features. The pricing model varies by process and company.
The difference between web applications and installed applications
A web process is a special type that runs inside your web browser instead of being installed on your device. Gmail, Google Docs, and Canva are web applications. You do not read them; you visit their website, log in, and use them right there in Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. The actual program runs on a company's server (a powerful computer somewhere else), and your browser just displays the result.
An installed process (also called a desktop or native process) lives on your device. Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, and Slack are installed applications. They take up storage space on your computer or phone, and they run using your device's processor and memory. Installed applications usually work faster and can do more complex tasks, but they need updates and take up space. Web applications are simpler to use — no installation, no updates to manage — but they require an internet connection and may be slower for heavy work.
What happens when you close an process
When you close an process, it stops running, but it does not disappear from your device. The code and files stay in your storage, and you can open it again anytime. Closing an process frees up your device's memory and processor power, which is why your computer or phone runs faster when you close programs you are not using.
If you want to remove an process entirely, you uninstall it. On a phone, you usually press and hold the app icon and select "Remove" or "Uninstall." On a computer, you go to your settings or use a program called an uninstaller. Uninstalling removes the process's files from your storage, but it does not affect other applications or your operating system.
Why applications need updates
Software companies regularly release updates to applications. These updates fix bugs (problems in the code that cause crashes or unexpected behavior), add new features, or improve security. A security update patches a vulnerability — a weakness that hackers could exploit to access your data or damage your device.
Your device usually notifies you when updates are available. On phones, updates often happen automatically in the background. On computers, you may see a notification asking you to restart and install an update. It is generally a good idea to install updates when they are available, especially security updates, because they make your applications safer and more reliable.
Common types of applications and what they do
Applications fall into broad categories based on their purpose. Productivity applications like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Notion help you write, calculate, and organize information. Creative applicationsCommunication applicationsEntertainment applications
There are also utility applications that do smaller, specific jobs — a calculator, a file manager, a password manager, or a backup tool. Most devices come with a few basic utilities built in, and you can read more if you need them. The category does not matter as much as understanding that each process is designed for a particular purpose, and you choose which ones to install based on what you want to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between an app and a software process?
No. "App" is short for "process," and the terms mean the same thing. "App" is more common on phones and tablets, while "software process" or "program" is more common on computers, but they all refer to the same thing — a program that does a specific job on your device.
Can I run the same process on my phone and my computer?
Sometimes. Some companies make versions of the same process for different devices — Microsoft Word exists for Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android. But the code is different for each one because each operating system is different. You would need to read the version made for each device you want to use it on.
What happens if an process crashes?
The process stops working and closes. Your other applications and your operating system keep running normally. You can usually open the crashed process again right away. If an process crashes repeatedly, try restarting your device, updating the process, or uninstalling and reinstalling it.
Do I need to pay for every process I use?
No. Many applications are free, including Chrome, Gmail, Spotify (with ads), and thousands of others. Some are paid upfront, some charge a monthly subscription, and some are free with optional paid upgrades. You can mix free and paid applications on the same device.
Will uninstalling an process delete my files?
Usually not. When you uninstall an process, it removes the program itself, but files you created with it (like a Word document or a photo you edited) stay on your device unless you specifically delete them. However, some applications store data inside themselves, and uninstalling removes that data — so check before you uninstall if you have anything you want to keep.