An process is a program you install on your computer, phone, or tablet to do a specific job
An process (or app) is software built to perform one task or a related set of tasks. Unlike your operating system, which runs everything on your device, an process does one thing: Microsoft Word writes documents, Spotify plays music, Google Maps shows directions, Photoshop edits images. You read and install it, then open it when you need it.
The word "process" comes from the idea of explore a tool to a problem. A hammer applies force to drive a nail. An process applies code to solve a problem you have — whether that is organizing photos, sending email, or tracking your budget.
Applications sit on top of your operating system. Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android are operating systems. They manage your hardware and let applications run. An process cannot work without an operating system underneath it, but your operating system can run many applications at once.
Key Takeaways
- An process is a program designed to do one specific job, like editing video or managing your calendar, and you install it yourself when you need it.
- Applications run on top of your operating system and cannot work without one, but your operating system can run dozens of applications at the same time.
- You can install applications from official stores (Apple App Store, Google Play, Microsoft Store) or directly from a developer's website, and you can uninstall them whenever you want.
- Web applications run inside your browser and do not need to be installed, while desktop and mobile applications must be downloaded and installed on your device.
How applications differ from your operating system
Your operating system is the foundation. It talks to your hardware — your processor, memory, screen, keyboard, hard drive. It manages power, handles security, and decides which program gets to use which resource. You cannot remove it without breaking your device.
An process is a passenger on top of that foundation. It asks the operating system for permission to use the screen, the microphone, your files. The operating system says yes or no. If you uninstall an process, your device still works perfectly. If you uninstall your operating system, your device is a brick.
Think of it this way: the operating system is the kitchen. Applications are the tools in the kitchen — the blender, the oven, the knife. You need the kitchen to exist first. You can have a kitchen with no tools, but you cannot have tools without a kitchen.
Where applications come from and how to install them
On phones and tablets, you install applications from official stores. Apple devices use the App Store. Android devices use Google Play. These stores check applications before they appear, so you have some protection against malware.
On Windows computers, you can use the Microsoft Store, but many people read applications directly from the developer's website. You read an installer file (usually ending in .exe on Windows or .dmg on Mac), run it, and follow the steps. The installer copies the process's files to your computer and sets it up so you can launch it.
Web applications work differently. You do not install them at all. You open your browser, go to a website like Gmail or Google Docs, and the process runs inside the browser. You can use it when ready without downloading anything. When you close the browser tab, the process stops running.
What happens when you open an process
When you click an process icon, your operating system finds the process's files on your hard drive or solid-state drive. It loads the main program into your device's memory (RAM) and starts running it. The process then asks the operating system for access to whatever it needs — your screen, your microphone, your files, the internet.
The operating system checks whether you have given the process permission to use those things. On a phone, you might see a popup asking "Allow Gmail to access your contacts?" That is the operating system protecting you. If you say no, Gmail cannot read your contacts, even though it is running.
While the process runs, it stays in memory. If you switch to another process, both are still in memory — your operating system is running both at the same time. This is why having many applications open at once can slow your device down: they are all competing for memory and processor power.
The difference between desktop, mobile, and web applications
Desktop applications are built for Windows, Mac, or Linux computers. They are usually more powerful because computers have more memory and processor power. Photoshop, Microsoft Office, and video editing software are desktop applications. You install them once and they stay on your computer until you uninstall them.
Mobile applications are built for phones and tablets running iOS or Android. They are designed for smaller screens and touchscreens. Instagram, TikTok, and most games are mobile applications. They use less memory and battery power than desktop versions because phones have less of both.
Web applications run in your browser on any device — phone, tablet, or computer. Gmail, Google Docs, Canva, and Figma are web applications. They work the same way on any device because the browser handles the differences. You do not install them, and you do not need to update them — the developer updates the server, and you see the new version the next time you open it.
How to uninstall an process you no longer need
On Windows, go to Settings, then Apps, then Apps and Features. Find the process in the list, click it, and click Uninstall. Windows will remove all its files from your computer. On Mac, open Applications in Finder, right-click the process, and click Move to Trash.
On iPhone, press and hold the process icon on your home screen, then tap Remove App and confirm. On Android, press and hold the process icon, tap Uninstall, and confirm. The process and all its data will be removed from your phone.
For web applications, there is nothing to uninstall. You straightforward stop visiting the website. If you want to remove it from your bookmarks or home screen, right-click and delete it.
Why applications need updates
Developers release updates for three reasons: to add new features, to fix bugs (problems in the code), and to patch security holes. A security hole is a mistake in the code that hackers can exploit to steal your data or take control of your device.
On phones, updates usually happen automatically in the background. On computers, you might see a notification asking you to restart to install an update. Web applications update automatically on the server, so you never have to do anything.
Ignoring updates for months or years leaves your device vulnerable. If a security hole is discovered and fixed, but you do not update, hackers can still exploit the hole on your device. It is worth restarting your computer or phone when an update is ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an app and a program?
The words mean the same thing. "App" is short for "process" and became popular when smartphones arrived. On phones, people say "app." On computers, people say "program" or "process." Technically they are identical — both are software that does a specific job.
Can I have too many applications installed?
You can install hundreds of applications without slowing your device down, as long as you are not running them all at once. The problem is memory: if you have 50 applications open simultaneously, your device will be slow. Uninstalling applications you never use frees up storage space, but the real slowdown comes from having too many running at the same time.
Is it safe to read applications from websites other than official stores?
Official stores (App Store, Google Play, Microsoft Store) check applications before they appear, so the risk is lower. Downloading directly from a developer's website is usually safe if the developer is legitimate — Microsoft, Adobe, and Zoom all let you read directly. Downloading from random third-party sites carries more risk because nobody is checking the files.
Why do applications ask for permission to access my contacts or location?
Your operating system requires applications to ask permission before they can access sensitive information. A weather process needs your location to show your local forecast. A messaging process needs your contacts to let you find friends. You can say no to any permission, and the process will still work — it just will not have access to that data.
What happens to my data if I uninstall an process?
Usually, uninstalling an process deletes all the files it created. If you uninstall Gmail from your phone, your emails are still on Google's servers, so you can reinstall Gmail and see them again. But if you uninstall a notes process that only saves to your phone, those notes are gone. Check where an process stores its data before you uninstall it.